XB-36D 42-13570
six 3000 hp P&W R-4630-25
Information from Joe Baugher's web site
Consolidated Vultee Aircraft Corporation, Fort Worth, TX. Model 35, later changed to 36, designated XB-36. First flight at Fort Worth, TX 8Aug46. Damaged by mechanical failure six miles east of Fort Worth 30Sep46. After takeoff from Fort Worth 26Mar47, as the hydraulic system attempted to raise the right landing gear, the actuator exploded allowing the gear to swing in the slip stream. While burning off fuel, crew members bailed out, leaving the two pilots to attempt a landing back at Fort Worth. Without hydraulics, the flaps could not be extended and the brakes and nose wheel steering were inoperative. On landing, the right landing gear held in place and the aircraft drifted off the left side of the runway. Delivered to USAF Jun48. Participated in a series of tests with Caterpillar tracked landing gear. Taxy tests carried out at Fort Worth early March 1950. First flight with tracked landing gear 29Mar50. WFU 30Jan52. Assigned to the nuclear aircraft development program and used as a mock-up for some aspects of the NB-36H and Convair X-6. External storage at Fort Worth and salvaged. Publicity photograph with the XB-58 Hustler 24 May 1957. Donated to the Carswell AFB fire department to be used as a fire-fighting aid May57. Subsequently scrapped.
Aeroplane Photo Supply 4376
Aeroplane Photo Supply 4401
Aeroplane Photo Supply 3851
