Does anyone remember seeing a picture of a B-47 with a 14,000 hp turboprop replacing the right hand inboard jet engine normally in that location? Does anyone have any additional knowledge about this project?
Lee

Lee,

I have seen a lot of strange aircraft.....but not this one. Sorry.

Doug

XB-47D
http://www.wpafb.af.mil/museum/research/bombers/b4/b4-21.htm
Proof-of-concept for the abandoned XB-55, never intended as an airliner.

Lee,

This experiment is mentioned in an excellent book by noted aeronautical historian, Walter Boyne, on the B52.

A pic of one of the 2 modified airplanes (XB47D) is also in the book. (BuAer no 12846 is pictured.)

2 Wright YT49-W-1 Turbo Props were fitted, one on each of the two inboard jet pylons, with J47 turbo jets left in the outer positions.

Despite it being the fastest prop plane ever,the experiment was a failure due to engine out control.

According to Boyne, "assymetrical power control characteristics were abysmal."

Turboprop utilization...but why since propeller blades create drag...or so the saying goes.?

The B-52 does look good with props however... very Eastern European look.





Doug

Hey Doug: Where were you able to raise a picture of a turboprop B-52? I thought it was just an early concept. I would like to see it if a picture exists.
In regard to engine out performance problems of the XB47-D the chord on the props is listed as 24 inches. Once that fan stopped turning, things probably got real exciting.
BTW. Thanks to everyone for all the information I have recieved.
Lee

The Boeing XB-47D was intended to prove the feasibility of high-speed bombers using both pure jet and turboprop engines. Wright YT49 turboprops replaced the inner engine nacelles. The airplane’s primary accomplishment was to set a speed record of 590 mph for propeller-driven airplanes.

This information is from a 1955 article quoting a representative of AF Systems Command. He stated that the AF had a four-phase turboprop development program. The first phase in 1945 involved the Convair XP-81, lasting 30 flight hours. Phase two saw turboprops on the McDonnell XF-88, the Republic XF-84H and the Boeing XB-47D.

Phase three, 1954-56, was the formation of the 1700th Test Sq, at Kelly AFB. The 1700th flew the YC-131C, the YC-97G and the YC-121F. There, the T34 and the T56 were evaluated, along with Curtiss Electric, Hamilton Standard and Aeroproducts props.

Phase four involved the decision to contract for production airplanes. These were the Douglas C-132 and C-133 and the Lockheed C-130. Had ther C-132 been built, it would have been an immense airplane with TOGW of over 400,000 pounds. The 15,000 eshp engines had 22' props witha 24" tip chord.