The Boeing B-9 bomber was the earliest plane based on the Monomail design. It had a top speed of 186 mph and could outrun the fighters of the day by 5 mph. The monoplane bomber reached this speed although it had a five-person crew (in open cockpits) and carried a 2,400-pound bomb load.
Boeing built the YB-9 prototype bombers at company expense to show their design potential to the military. This high-speed aircraft inspired other airplane manufacturers to launch a new generation of bombers, such as the Martin B-10. Because fighters were expected to be faster than bombers, the B-9 also led to the first monoplane fighters.
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First flight: |
April 13, 1931 |
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Model number: |
214/215 |
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Classification: |
Bomber |
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Span: |
76 feet |
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Length: |
51 feet 5 inches |
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Gross weight: |
13,919 pounds |
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Top speed: |
186 mph |
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Cruising speed: |
158 mph |
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Range: |
1,150 miles |
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Ceiling: |
20,150 feet |
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Power: |
Two 600-horsepower P&W Hornet engines |
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Accommodation: |
5 crew |
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Armament: |
2 machine guns, 2,400-pound bomb load |