Boeing XF8B-1 - "Five-in-One Fighter"

[Nostalgistic]

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Boeing XF8B-1

   Hello everybody. I’d like to suggest the Boeing XF8B-1 for the US aviation tree in War Thunder. The XF8B-1 was a prototype carrier-based naval fighter developed by Boeing for the US Navy, intended for long-range operations against mainland Japan. Designed as a multi-role aircraft, it could be armed with either six .50 caliber machine guns, six 20 mm cannons, or a combination of both. It was also capable of carrying bombs or torpedoes. Powered by a massive 3,000-horsepower engine driving a contra-rotating six-bladed propeller, the XF8B-1 was built to fulfill a wide variety of roles, including interceptor, long-range escort, dive-bomber, and torpedo bomber. Although it demonstrated impressive performance during testing, the XF8B-1 was ultimately too late for production, as the Pacific War ended before it could be adopted.

Key Characteristics

• Long-range, carrier-based fighter-bomber
• Largest and heaviest piston-engined naval aircraft developed for the US Navy
• Powered by a 3,000 hp Pratt & Whitney XR-4360-10, 28-cylinder air-cooled radial engine
• Equipped with two three-bladed contra-rotating propellers
• Internal bomb bay with additional external hardpoints for bombs and up to two torpedoes
• Provisions for 6 x .50 cal machine guns or 6 x 20 mm cannons

History

The development of the Boeing XF8B began in response to the US Navy’s request for a long-range, carrier-based fighter-bomber. The Navy sought an aircraft capable of striking targets on mainland Japan without requiring carriers to sail within range of enemy land-based defenses. These requirements were far more advanced than those for the last fighter aircraft Boeing had developed in the mid-1930s.

In 1943, Boeing began designing the aircraft under the designation Model 400 and submitted the proposal to the Navy. The design was compelling enough that, on May 4, 1943, the Navy awarded Boeing a contract for three XF8B-1 prototypes. The aircraft was envisioned as a multi-role platform, capable of fulfilling the roles of fighter, dive-bomber, torpedo bomber, escort, and interceptor.

Only one prototype (BuNo 57984) was completed in 1944 before the end of the war in the Pacific. It was powered by a Pratt & Whitney XR-4360-10 radial engine, which drove two three-bladed propellers in a contra-rotating arrangement. This setup provided additional thrust from the 3,000-horsepower engine and helped counteract torque effects. The straight-tapered, low-mounted wings could fold for carrier storage. The cockpit, mounted above the rear of the wing, featured a two-piece canopy that offered excellent all-around visibility and resembled a bubble canopy, though without a rear fairing.

The XF8B-1 had an internal bomb bay capable of carrying a 3,200-pound payload, with an additional 4,000 pounds of ordnance able to be mounted externally. Although the prototype did not feature wing-mounted guns, it was designed with provisions for either six .50 caliber machine guns, six 20 mm cannons, or a combination of both.

The XF8B-1 made its maiden flight on November 27, 1944. It was immediately recognized as the largest and heaviest single-engine piston fighter developed in the US, powered by the most potent piston engine ever fitted to a fighter at the time. The aircraft reached a maximum speed of 432 mph, with a cruise speed around 190 mph. The flight was successful, though further refinement was required.

The second prototype (BuNo 579845) was completed in January 1945, but it had to wait for an available engine before it could fly. Meanwhile, service trials of the first prototype took place from mid-March to mid-April 1945, during which the aircraft met or exceeded the Navy’s expectations.

Between May and September 1945, the Navy came close to finalizing a production agreement for the F8B-1. However, the production version was projected to be heavier and more expensive than the prototype. At the same time, Boeing was prioritizing its commitment to delivering B-29 Superfortresses for the US Army in the Pacific Theater. As a result, the XF8B-1 program was temporarily shelved. Additionally, by the war’s end, the Navy was already experimenting with jet-powered carrier aircraft in top-secret trials.

With the war in the Pacific concluded and jet propulsion rapidly advancing, the Navy no longer saw a need for the expensive, propeller-driven F8B-1. Postwar strategy also required Boeing to focus on large land-based bombers and transports. The rise of jet aircraft marked the end for many late- and postwar piston projects, and Boeing ultimately wound down the XF8B program.

The second prototype (BuNo 579845) was eventually fitted with its engine, and the third prototype (BuNo 579846) was also completed. All three prototypes continued testing with the US Navy and US Air Force into 1946 and 1947. After testing concluded, all XF8B-1 prototypes were scrapped, ending the program entirely.

Specifications

Boeing XF8B-1

General Characteristics

• Crew: 1 (Pilot)
• Dimensions:
  • Length: 43 ft 3 in (13.18 m)
  • Height: 16 ft 3.3125 in (4.96 m)
  • Wingspan: 54 ft (16.46 m)
  • Wing Area: 489 sq ft (45.43 sq m)
• Propeller:
  • Type: 6-blade contra-rotating coaxial
  • Diameter: 13 ft 8 in (4.17 m)
• Powerplant: Pratt & Whitney XR-4360-10 “Wasp Major”
  • Configuration: 28-cylinder air-cooled radial
  • Output: 3,000 hp (2,237 kW)
• Fuel System:
  • Internal Fuel: 384 US gal (1,454 L)
  • Oil Capacity: 40 US gal (151.4 L)
• Weights:
  • Empty: 13,519 lb (6,132 kg)
  • Gross: 17,508 lb (7,941 kg)
  • Max Takeoff: 21,336 lb (9,678 kg)

Engine Ratings

• Takeoff Power:
  • 3,000 BHP @ 2,700 RPM @ SL
• Military Power:
  • 3,000 BHP @ 2,700 RPM @ SL-1,500 ft
  • 2,750 BHP @ 2,700 RPM @ 14,500 ft
  • 2,540 BHP @ 2,700 RPM @ 22,000 ft
• Normal Power:
  • 2,500 BHP @ 2,550 RPM @ SL
  • 2,380 BHP @ 2,550 RPM @ 14,500 ft
  • 2,250 BHP @ 2,550 RPM @ 23,000 ft

Performance w/ Military Power, Combat Loading Condition

• Power-to-Weight Ratio: 0.17 hp/lb (0.28 kW/kg)
• Speed:
  • Sea Level: 340 mph (547 km/h)
  • Critical Altitude: 411 mph @ 26,900 ft (661 km/h @ 8,200 m)
• Stall Speed:
  • Gross Weight: 82.3 mph (132.4 km/h)
  • Clean: 76.6 mph (123.3 km/h)
• Wing Loading: 35.6 lb/sq ft (173.8 kg/sq m)
• Climb Performance:
  • Rate: 2,800 ft/min (14.2 m/s)
  • Time to Altitude:
    • 3.8 min to 10,000 ft (3,048 m)
    • 8.1 min to 20,000 ft (6,096 m)
• Service Ceiling: 35,300 ft (10,759 m)
• Range:
  • Combat: 1,305 mi (2,100 km)
  • Ferry: 2,780 mi (4,474 km)

Armament

• Gun Options (Up to six guns of any type):
  • Up to 6 x .50-cal M2 Browning machine guns (400 rpg; 2,400 rounds)
  • Up to 6 x 20mm cannons (200 rpg; 1,200 rounds)
• Fuselage Bomb-bay:
  • 1 x 2,000-lb bomb
  • 2 x 1,600-lb armor-piercing bombs
  • 2 x 1,000-lb bombs
  • 4 x 500-lb bombs
• Wings (Two bomb racks):
  • 2 x 2,000-lb bombs
  • 2 x 1,600-lb armor-piercing bombs
  • 2 x 1,000-lb bombs
  • 2 x 500-lb bombs
• Torpedoes:
  • 2 x MK 13-3 torpedoes
• External Fuel:
  • 2 x 150-gal wing drop tanks

Airplane Characteristics & Performance & Pilot’s Manual

Diagrams from the Pilot’s Manual

Cockpit

Images

Conclusion | Why it should be in the game

   The Boeing XF8B was a late-war American naval fighter designed for operations in the Pacific Theater. Intended to fulfill five combat roles, fighter, interceptor, long-range escort, dive bomber, and torpedo bomber, it was dubbed a “five-in-one fighter” by Boeing. The XF8B-1 was an impressive aircraft, envisioned as the Navy’s counterpart to both the P-47 and P-51 in a single platform. It also marked the final piston-engine fighter developed by Boeing before the company shifted focus to larger aircraft and, eventually, the modern F-15EX Eagle II. I personally believe the XF8B-1 would make a great addition to War Thunder as a US aviation Battle Pass reward.

Sources

• Preliminary Pilot’s Manual for Model XF8B-1 Navy Fighter (15 July 1944)
• XF8B-1 Airplane Characteristics & Performance (1 August 1944)
• Pilot’s Manual Boeing XF8B-1 Navy Fighter (28 September 1945)
• Boeing XF8B - fighter
• Boeing XF8B
• Boeing XF8B Carrier-Based Long-Range Fighter Prototype
• Boeing XF8B - Wikipedia

Thank you for taking the time to read my suggestion! 😃

[JamesPond1200-psn]

Impressively powerful plane! +1

[VS17panel-psn]

it looks ugly but seems good.

[jon_man1199]

An absolute +1 from me, this has to be one of my absolute favorite late-war US designs

[AlvisWisla]

This missed my sightline.
I need my Wasp Major F-8.
I NEED IT.

[AppendixBurster-psn]

gib more american mid-tier CAS, +1

[codor23866]

I hope to see this added soon. A very capable all around aircraft+1.

[PlayedStatue626-live]

+1