HOME      Boeing F4B

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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NOTE: RADIO CONTROL AIRPLANES ARE ON THE BOTTOM HALF OF THE PAGE.
 
Boeing F4B aircraft could out perform all existing pursuit aircraft in service. It was the last wooden U.S. biplane fighter.
 
Boeing F4B aircraft served throughout the U. S. Navy during the early 1930's. The  U.S. Army variant of the Boeing F4B was designated the P-12.
 
Boeing F4B aircraft were innovative for their time in that their fuselage frames were constructed of bolted aluminum tubing, except for the engine mounts and mid-fuselage areas. Previous Boeing aircraft employed welded steel tubing throughout the aircraft. Other differences from prior models were straight rather than tapered wings.
 
Boeing F4B aircraft were armed with either two .30 cal. or one .50 cal. machine guns. They were located in the top of the nose, firing through the propeller.
 
Boeing F4B aircraft were originally equipped with a 450 h.p. Pratt and Whitney R-1340-7 radial engine. The propeller was metal, two bladed. The pitch of the propeller could be adjusted on the ground. For increased range, a 55 gallon fuel tank was fitted between the landing gear legs. Up to 700 lbs. of bombs could be carried under the wings and fuselage of the aircraft.
 
Soon after Boeing F4B aircraft entered service, Boeing introduced an aircraft designated the XP-12A. It incorporated improvements for trial based on suggestions by various service pilots of Boeing F4B aircrat.
 
The Boeing F4B model B aircraft first flew on May 12, 1930. It featured the ailerons tested on the XP-12A, revised elevators, and slightly larger wheels. The engine and struts were identical to the Boeing F4B. Later, the Boeing F4B aircraft used ring cowlings . The Boeing F4B model B of the aircraft didn't perform as well as the original Boeing F4B aircraft due to an increase in weight.
 
The Boeing F4B model C first flew on Jan. 30, 1931. It featured an engine ring cowl, a spreader bar under carriage, and wingtip navigation lights. It had a new 450 hp R-1340-9 engine. The Navy version of the was designated the Boeing F4B - 2.
 
The Boeing F4B model D aircraft first flew on Sept. 15, 1931. The most significant change over the C model aircraft was a more powerful 525 hp. Pratt and Whitney R-1340-17 engine.
 
The final version Boeing F4B model E first flew as the company owned aircraft Model 218 on Sept. 29, 1930. The Boeing F4B model 218 was intended as a test aircraft for improvements over the Boeing F4B aircraft. The production Boeing F4B model E had a new, high-altitude rated R-1340-D engine.
 
A total of 586 Boeing F4B aircraft of all types were built.  Some remained in service until 1941.
 
 

Specifications

        Primary Function:
        Crew:
        Engines:
        Power:
        Weight Empty:
        Max. Weight:
        Machine Guns:
        Bombs:
        Length:  
        Wingspan:
        Cruise Speed:
        Max. Speed:
        Initial Climb: 
        Ceiling:
        Range:
        First Flight:  
        Year Deployed:
fighter/bomber
one
P&W R-1340
550 h.p.
2,350 lbs.
3,600 lbs.
2- .30 or 1- .50 cal.
700 lbs.
20' 1"
30' 0"
150 mph
190 mph
1,850 fpm
27,000 feet
370 miles
6/25/28
1929
 
Radio Control Airplane

Chris Bland and his rc airplane.
 
Radio Control Airplanes:
 
 
Pictured above is the 45" wing span RC Boeing F4B airplane from Uncle Willie's Plans. The radio control airplane was built by Chris Bland.  Kit Cutters Inc. has Boeing F4B rc airplane plans, a short or full kit of the Uncle Willie's F4B.
 
The first picture below is of the Boeing F4B radio control airplane from Mammoth Scale Plans. You can find the RC Airplane plans at Bob Holman Plans. The radio control airplane has a 90" wing span and can be flown with 2 to 3 cid engines. All up weight of the RC Airplane will be around 23 lbs.
 
The second picture below is of a Boeing F4B radio control airplane. The RC Boeing F4B airplane has a wing span of 60". Plans for the radio control airplane are by H.G. Bowers and originally published in RCM Plans. The RC Airplane plans are now available from Precision Cut Kits.
 
The last picture below is of the Boeing F4B radio control airplane built by Dave Engle from a Balsa Products kit. The radio control airplane has a wing span of 68". Materials used in the Boeing F4B RC Airplane kit are a fiberglass cowl, balsa and plywood. Dave powers his radio control airplane with an O.S. 1.6 engine. The RC Airplane weighs 13 lbs.
 
Please email us if you have a favorite Boeing F4B radio control airplane, or if you know of any additional Boeing F4B RC Airplane kits, plans or ARF's.
 
Radio Control Airplane
RC Airplane from Mammoth Scale Plans.
 
Radio Control Airplane

RC Airplane from H.G. Bowers plans.

Radio Control Airplane
RC Airplane built by Dave Engle.