Reading level:
B-36 "Peacemaker"
Convair · Strategic bomber · USA · Early Jet (1946–1969)
The Convair B-36 "Peacemaker" is a strategic bomber built by Convair that was operated by the United States Air Force (USAF) from 1948 to 1959. The B-36 is the largest mass-produced piston-engined aircraft ever built, although it was exceeded in span and weight by the one-off Hughes H-4 Hercules. It has the longest wingspan of any combat aircraft. The B-36 was capable of intercontinental flight without refueling.
Specifications
- Category
- Fixed Wing
- Sub-Category
- Bomber
- Domain
- Defence
- Era
- Early Jet (1946–1969)
- Country
- USA
- Manufacturer
- Convair
- Operator
- United States Air Force
- Primary Role
- Strategic bomber
- Service Entry
- 1948
- Produced
- 1946–1954
- Engine
- 6× 28-cylinder 4-row air-cooled radial piston engines
- Thrust / Power
- 3800 hp each
- Length (ft)
- 162
- Wingspan (ft)
- 230
- Empty Weight (lb)
- 166165
- MTOW (lb)
- 410000
- Service Ceiling (ft)
- 43600
- Max Speed (mph)
- 435
- Armament
- Guns: 1 remotely operated tail turret with 2 × 20 mm caliber| M24A1 autocannon{{rp|54–55; Bombs: with weight restrictions, normal{{rp|54–55