Warplanes of the USA: Martin XB-51

Martin XB-51

(USAF Photo)

Martin XB-51.

The Martin XB-51 was an unusual ground-attack plane, and one of the most highly advanced aircraft at the time of its first flight in 1949. Two jet engines were carried in pods near the nose and a third was buried aft under the tail. The pilot could vary the thin wing's angle of incidence in the air, making takeoffs and landings easier. The variable-incidence wing allowed a very long fuselage which carried two bomb bays, all fuel tanks, and the bicycle-style landing gear. Spoilers on each wing replaced conventional ailerons, allowing the use of full-span flaps for safer landings. The XB-51 was fast, maneuverable, and delightful to fly, but it lost an acquisition competition to the British-designed B-57 Canberra. The sister ship to the plane in the photo was destroyed in a crash on the dry lake bed in May 1952.

(USAF Photo)

Martin XB-51.

(USAF Photo)

Martin XB-51 with drag chute.

(USAF Photo)

Martin XB-51.

(NMUSAF Photo)

The first of two Martin XB-51 prototypes (Serial No. 46-585).

The Martin XB-51 was an American trijet ground-attack aircraft. It was designed in 1945 and made its maiden flight in 1949. It was originally designed as a bomber for the United States Army Air Forces under specification V-8237-1 and was designated XA-45. The "A" ground-attack classification was eliminated the next year, and the XB-51 designation was assigned instead. The requirement was for low-level bombing and close support. The XB-51 lost out in evaluation to the English Electric Canberra which - built by Martin - entered service as the Martin B-57 Canberra.

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