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Lockheed XB-30 (Model L-249)

1943 WORLD WAR 2 X-PLANE

History of the Lockheed XB-30 (Model L-249)

Before the introduction of the Boeing B-29 "Superfortress" in 1944 and forever changing the direction of the Pacific War, players from Consolidated, Douglas and Lockheed were all competing for designs. All of this is to meet the requirements of the U.S.

Army's new heavy bomber, providing the Air Force with a high-flying platform with considerable range. Consolidated delivered its B-32 "Dominator", introduced in January 1945, and procured 118, while the Douglas XB-31 and Lockheed XB-30 underwent only design studies before attention turned entirely to Boeing's entry.

The Lockheed XB-30 originated in the second half of the 1930s, when another world war in Europe (or a direct conflict with Japan in the Pacific) seemed likely. This has prompted Army authorities to develop a new generation of bombers that will have excellent range while carrying useful war loads and flying higher than previous designs.

Technological developments and political events in Europe influenced a committee formed by General "Happ" Arnold, whose recommendation was to develop a new heavy aircraft. The advent of World War II in September 1939 added urgency and the Army commissioned a design study.

During this period, the classification of heavy bombers determined part of the inherent design of the aircraft - several crew members were required to manage the onboard systems and garrison, a sizable aircraft was required to house crew quarters, fuel tanks and bombs, And a four-engine configuration was required to ensure the bomber had the power and range needed to fly at the distance and altitude needed. The Army is looking for bombers with a range of at least 5,000 miles.

Lockheed's entry was based on the L-049 Constellation ("Connie") transport aircraft they were developing at the time (detailed elsewhere on this page). The aircraft made its maiden flight in January 1943, and 88 were eventually built14 were introduced to the U.S. military (designated "C-69") and 74 were designed for commercial passenger service. This design origin means that Lockheed's research - the "XB-30" which named the company's model "L-249" - has the same general shape and configuration as the L-049 model.

As such, the bomber form shared the same tubular, slightly deeper fuselage, central wing main plane and tri-rudder tail. Each main wing aircraft has two engine nacelles. The flight deck was designed to keep the nose forward, and various crew positions were designated around the fuselage, some of which were equipped with defensive weapons to protect the aircraft.

It is estimated that the L-249 requires a crew of ten for optimal operation. The tricycle landing gear gives the L-249 a highly modern look - another quality inherited from the Constellation.

Engineers designed the aircraft with a wingspan of 123 feet, a length of 104.7 feet, and a height of 23.8 feet. The curb weight is 51,616 pounds, while the estimated maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) is approximately 86,000 pounds. The Wright R-3350-13 series radial was selected for power, each unit putting out 2,200 horsepower. The engines were mounted in the nacelle along the leading edge of the wing, and two engines were mounted on one wing, driving the three-bladed propeller.

The engine also powered the Boeing B-29, was standard on the Lockheed Constellation series, and was eventually used in the Douglas A-1 "Skyraider" attack aircraft (of Vietnam War fame) after the war.

Since the bomber can be targeted by enemy interceptors, it should carry its own defensive weapons. A 20mm cannon will be mounted on a remote-controlled tail turret along with four .50 caliber heavy machine guns to protect the aircraft's vulnerable "six" positions.

Two dorsal turrets are also envisaged, each armed with four .50 caliber heavy machine guns, providing all-round security. Another turret with two to four guns would be placed in the abdomen. There will also be remote-controlled side-mounted turrets on the front of the fuselage.

Internally, bomb loads range from up to 16,000 pounds of conventional ammunition.

Lockheed engineers were able to perform some testing on components associated with the XB-30 design in 1940. and service ceilings up to 17,832 feet (with crew partially pressurized).

Army authorities have seen Boeing B-29 submissions progress against the L-249 program, which is still trying to gain a foothold under the program. Lockheed made scale models of their aircraft, but his proposal was not selected for further development and quickly entered aviation history.

Likewise, the Douglas XB-31 has only reached the design stage and has been excluded from further plans by the Army. This paved the way for the Boeing B-29 to shine in the war.