GrauGeist
Generalfeldmarschall zur Luftschiff Abteilung
The B-19...it had a ridiculously long range and wasn't doing anything else during the war...
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The B-19 was not a hotrod (135 mph cruise loaded), but it's ferry range of well of 7,000 miles was un-matched.Seems really slow.
Nice choice. With friendly winds, the B-19's 7,710 mi (12,410 km, 6,700 nmi) range would allow for FDR to fly 7,500 miles direct from San Diego to Sydney, Australia. With the B-19, FDR could fly pretty much anywhere non stop, Washington to either Moscow or Hawaii? No problem.The B-19 was not a hotrod (135 mph cruise loaded), but it's ferry range of well of 7,000 miles was un-matched.
It's performance would have increased of course (speed-wise), if it were being used as a personnel transport instead of a bomber.
I agree. My thinking at first was to retrofit some P-38s for super long range escorts, but no single pilot can keep alert over such distance. Then, there's multi-seat heavy fighters like the P-61, but that's no better than putting guns on AF1.Considering that the B-19 was capable of carrying a max. bomb load of 37,100 pounds with a max. takeoff weight of 162,000 pounds (crew, fuel, arms/ammo, etc.), I'd say certainly keep it's defensive armament.
Since it's primary load as AF1 is people, baggage and fuel, hauling defensive weapons and ample ammunition would be a cinch.
I agree. My thinking at first was to retrofit some P-38s for super long range escorts, but no single pilot can keep alert over such distance. Then, there's multi-seat heavy fighters like the P-61, but that's no better than putting guns on AF1.
Let's hope the IJAF or Luftwaffe don't pull their own Operation Vengeance when AF1 is outside fighter range or in Yamamoto's case insufficiently escorted.
Interesting. How would that separation work? I'd think everyone on board would benefit from pressurization, otherwise the flight crew will be freezing and wearing O2 masks whilst POTUS is living it up in the back. Of course FDR being on wheels likely precludes a cockpit visit, but other staff might want to transit between cabin and flight deck. Was the entire interior of the B-29 pressurized, less the bomb bay?As far as pressurizarion goes, only the Executive cabin needed to be fitted, saving time and weight with the conversion.
Was the entire interior of the B-29 pressurized, less the bomb bay?
Hard for the B-19 to be misidentified - it was one bigass aircraft with a wingspan that wouldn't be matched until the B-36 came along.
P-38s were misidentified, so anything is possible.Hard for the B-19 to be misidentified - it was one bigass aircraft with a wingspan that wouldn't be matched until the B-36 came along.
If, if the AAC and Allison had really put some effort (Money and manpower) into the V3420 in 1938-1941 would it have been flight rated by 1942? quite possibly. I think it wold have been neat to see more aircraft powered by the 3420. but..........I like the idea of the B-19, perhaps the version that was fitted with the Allison's.