Seems high speed bomber is in favor here.
My proposal would be Merlinized Mixmaster (XB-42). Or, later, Griffonized
Mmmm,only a maximum load of 8000lbs but cruising at 300+mph is good. I do love a 'pusher' too. The main problem is that it is out of our time frame. The first was delivered in 1944 in a month (May)when we banged out 262 Lancasters!
Cheers
Steve