Warplanes of the USA: Martin XB-48

Martin XB-48

(USAF Photo)

Martin XB-48 (Serial No. 45-59585)

The Martin XB-48 was an American medium jet bomber developed in the mid-1940s. It competed with the Boeing B-47 Stratojet, which proved to be a superior design, and was largely considered as a backup plan in case the B-47 ran into development problems. It never saw production or active duty, and only two prototypes, serial numbers 45-59585 and 45-59586, were built.

(USAF Photo)

Martin XB-48 (Serial No. 45-59585)

(USAF Photo)

Martin XB-48.

The XB-48 made its first flight on 22 June 1947, a 37-minute, 73 mi (117 km) hop from Martin's Baltimore, Maryland plant to NAS Patuxent River, Maryland, but blew all four tires on its fore-and-aft mounted undercarriage on landing when pilot Pat Tibbs applied heavy pressure to the specially-designed, but very slow to respond, insensitive air-braking lever. Tibbs and co-pilot Dutch Gelvin were uninjured.

(USAF Photo)

Martin XB-48, 11 April 1947, after roll-out during ground testing leading up to its first flight.

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Martin XB-48 prototype, 1947.

(NMUSAF Photo)

Martin XB-48 prototype taxiing, showing spaces between engines for cooling, tandem main gear, and nacelle outriggers.

(NMUSAF Photo)

Martin XB-48 on ramp, showing spaces between engines for cooling, tandem main gear, & nacelle outriggers.

(USAF Photo)

Martin XB-48 (Serial No. 45-59585).

(NMUSAF Photo)

Martin XB-48 (Serial No. 45-59585)

(USAF Photo)

Martin XB-48 taking off.

(USAF Photo)

Martin XB-48.