Ampersand's Consolidated B-36

This next book in their visual history series is this very nicely done book on the largest bomber ever built, the Consolidated B-36. The initial bid for what would be America's first intercontinental bomber was placed, none of the companies who responded were able to meet the speed/range/payload requirements. In truth, they were asking for too much. Once these were toned down, several companies were able to submit proposals and it was Consolidated that won the contract. Though planned on having a first flight in May 1944, the actual first flight was delayed for a number of reasons until 3 1/2 years later in December 1947. Those of us who have been around a while, realize that very few planes have actually met contract requirements in this and other regards. I have a feeling that those requesting these things realize that when dealing with something this new, it would not meet initial requirements. We see that only so well in the current F-35 program.

In order to be able to meet weight requirements, most of the airframe was built from magnesium. This works very well for lightness, but it is incapable of very much flexing and so the pressurized areas of the airframe were made of aluminum. When you look at B-36 images, you can plainly see the shiny aluminum nose section compared to the duller magnesium. Once the XB-36 first flew, it was realized that, thanks to the large single tire main landing gear that there were only three places in the US that had runways strong enough to bear the pressure so a multiple wheel bogie was soon developed to replace that. Other changes were made, including a different cockpit section.

Eventually the B-36 entered series production, though the production lots were not very large. Capabilities in equipment were improved and to help the aircraft get off the ground fully loaded, it finally sprouted a pair of jet engines under each wing. These were specially developed to run on avgas rather than jet fuel. They also had the ability to close the intake to cut back on drag when not used, though a small hole was still left so the engines could properly windmill for restarts.

As the equipment increased, so did the weight so several programs were developed to reduce overall weight. All but the tail guns were eventually removed as were crew comfort things like sound insulation and cots for the relief crew. Many older versions were upgraded as much as possible. A rather interesting fact is that only one B-36 that crash landed was ever returned to service. Usually unexpected landings broke the plane into too many pieces to make it worth rebuilding.

The B-36 was a great recce platform, able to carry very large cameras and to be able to change film in flight. It was also used for a number of experimental projects including the X-6 which carried a functioning nuclear reactor as part of a program to develop nuclear engines, though the reactor did not power the aircraft. A jet version of the B-36, the XB-60 was developed as well, though never made it past prototype. Same with the huge XC-99 based on B-36 flight surfaces. The last B-36 was delivered in 1955 and the type started being retired from service in 1956 with the last one gone during 1959. The slowness of the aircraft and its inability to be refueled in flight were major reasons for its retirement. Ten years of active service sure left an indelible imprint in people's minds.

In this book by David Doyle, we are given a short history of the type including all the various test aircraft. The vast majority of the book consists of photographs, a few of them taken during the construction of the aircraft. We are provided with details of the various systems and each variant has its own section. Since it is a visual history, Ampersand Publishing has picked out the best images and the landscape format allows for some large images, some of them in full color. It is a book I thoroughly enjoyed reading and is one that I can easily recommend to you.

February 2016

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Review copy courtesy Ampersand Publishing. Get yours today at this link.

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