Summary The XB-15 performed US Army Air Corp flights in the late 1930s and 1940s, setting world records in payload heights and distances. The XB-15 was initially underpowered with delayed engine readiness, hindering its full performance potential. In May 1943, the XB-15 was converted into an XC-105 military transport for cargo operations during World War II.
The Boeing XB-15 was a bomber prototype that performed United States Army Air Corps (USAAC) flights in the late 1930s and early 1940s. Designed and developed by Boeing as a test for the US military to test the feasibility of a heavy long-range bomber. The aircraft performed its first flight in October 1937, and following its mission readiness, it was assigned to the 2nd Bombardment Group at Langley Field in Virginia.
In January 1939, the XB-15 flew a relief mission following the earthquake in Chile. The aircraft flew essential medical supplies to Santiago. The Boeing XB-15 Crew : 10 Length : 87 ft 7 in (26.
70 m) Wingspan : 149 ft 0 in (45.43 m) Height : 25 ft 10 in (7.87 m) Wing area : 2,780 sq ft (258.
4 m2) Airfoil : root: NACA 0018; tip: NACA 0010 Empty weight : 37,709 lb (17,141 kg) Max takeoff weight : 70,706 lb (32,139 kg) Powerplant : 4 × 14-cylinder Pratt & Whitney R-1830-11 radial engines Power per engine : 1,000 hp (634 kW) Boeing designers began the XB-15 project in mid-1933, aiming to build a very large bomber that could fly a range of 5,000 NM (8,000 km). Moreover, the USAAC required the aircraft to carry at .