Lockheed XFM-2

The Lockheed XPB-3, later designated XFM-2 (PB - Pursuit, Biplace / FM - Fighter, Multi-seat), was a proposed American heavy fighter aircraft, developed by the Lockheed Corporation during the mid-1930s. Intended as a heavy fighter and bomber destroyer for operation by the United States Army Air Corps, it failed to win a contract for construction of a prototype, the Bell YFM-1 Airacuda being preferred.

Lockheed XFM-2
Role Heavy fighter/bomber destroyer
Manufacturer Lockheed Corporation
First flight n/a
Status Cancelled in 1936
Primary user United States Army Air Corps
Number built 0

Design and development

Given the Lockheed designation Model 11,[1] the XFM-2 was developed in response to a United States Army Air Corps requirement for a heavy, twin-engined "bomber destroyer". Originally designated XPB-3 in the 'pursuit, biplace' category, it was redesignated 'XFM-2', for 'fighter, multiplace' early in development. Intended to be powered by two Allison V-1710 supercharged engines, the aircraft was designed for an armament of two 37mm cannon, one mounted in a nose turret and the other in a dorsal turret behind the cockpit.[2]

The XFM-2 featured a tricycle landing gear configuration, and was a mid-wing monoplane of nearly medium bomber size. The empennage featured a twin-tail arrangement.[3] Although the XFM-2 design was evaluated favorably by the Air Corps, the Bell YFM-1 Airacuda was selected to fill the bomber destroyer requirement, and further work on the XFM-2 was abandoned.[4]

See also

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

Related lists

References

Citations
  1. Badrocke and Gunston 2001, p.7.
  2. Matthews, Birch. Cobra! Bell Aircraft Corporation 1934-1946. Atglen, Pennsylvania: Schiffer 1996. ISBN 978-0887409110.
  3. Airpower. March 1989. Vol. 19, no. 2, p.16.
  4. Francillon 1987, p.161.

Bibliography
  • Badrocke, Mike; Bill Gunston (2001). Lockheed Aircraft Cutaways: The History of Lockheed Martin. New York: Barns & Noble Books. ISBN 0-7607-2573-X.
  • Francillon, Rene (1987). Lockheed Aircraft since 1913. Annapolis, MD: Naval Institute Press. ISBN 978-0870218972.
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