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B-9 Bomber
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Specifications
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Primary Function:
Crew:
Engines:
Power:
Weight Empty:
Gross Weight:
Machine Guns:
Ordnance:
Length:
Wingspan:
Cruise Speed:
Max. Speed:
Initial Climb:
Ceiling:
Range:
First Flight:
Year Deployed: |
bombing
five
P & W radial
2- 600 shp ea.
8,360 lbs.
13,350 lbs.
3 - .30 cal.
2,200 lbs.
51' 6"
76' 9"
165 mph
188 mph
1,060 fpm
22,600 feet
490 miles
7/14/32
1932 |
A total of seven B-9 bomber (officially YB-9) prototypes were built by Boeing. The first two were self-funded and produced by Boeing as proof of concept aircraft to show the U.S. Army the advantages of modern design.
The B-9 bomber was a single wing design that had no external bracing, thus reducing drag. The fuselage design saved weight by being of stressed skin construction. Landing gear were retractable.
The rudder of the B-9 bomber had an additional small hinged surface called a "tab" attached to its trailing edge. The rudder pedals
were attached to it by cables, allowing a relatively small movement to produce a larger deflection of the rudder by using the advantage of leverage. The B-9 bomber was the first U.S. aircraft to incorporate the control.
The tradition of the aircraft crew being exposed to the elements via open cockpits continued with the B-9 bomber. In addition, similar to other bomber aircraft of the time, ordnance was carried externally, beneath the wings and fuselage.
Flying the B-9 bomber was a challenge due to the limited visibility of the pilot. Engines of the aircraft limited side vision, while the fuselage of the aircraft limited the forward view.
As B-9 bomber design progressed with each prototype model, different engines were fitted to the aircraft. They produced more power at
lower altitudes, were lighter in weight, and had cowls that permitted further streamlining. Other B-9 bomber design changes were made to the rudder
shape and trim tab, using metal instead of cloth covered control surfaces, and using three-bladed instead of two-bladed propellers to produce additional torque.
The result was the B-9 bomber, an aircraft that was not only faster than other bombers of the time, but could outrun fighter aircraft as well.
Unfortunately for Boeing, other aircraft manufacturers were also producing their own advanced bomber aircraft which eclipsed the B-9 bomber in performance.
 Barrett and his B-9 bomber.
Pictured above and first below is the good looking B-9 bomber scratch built by greenseaships of RC Groups, aka Barrett. Its wingspan is 84" and length is 55". It is propelled by a pair of Power 15 motors and weighs around 7 1/2 lbs.
The second picture below is of the B-9 bomber built from plans for sale by Clevaland Plans. They are available in wingspans of 23", 30 1/2", 46", 61", giant scale 92", 122 1/2" and 184".
The third picture is of the free flight rubber power model B-9 bomber built by Mike from the Marin Aero Club.
The next picture is of the B-9 bomber on display at the 2005 IPMS Nationals.
Barrett's B-9 bomber in flight.
A B-9 Bomber built from Cleveland plans.
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Boeing B-9
