Douglas XB-43 "Versatile II" - (scan - 1984)

Bomber, reconnaissance, and attack versions proposed. In early flight tests, stability and vibration problems encountered, especially when snap-open bomb bay doors operated. Second XB-42 crashed near Andrews AFB a few days after setting transcontinental record of 433.6 mph from Long Beach to Washington. Adaptation to jet configuration (XB-43) surprisingly easy as jets were installed in space vacated by Allisons. In this configuration, pressurization problems and temperature changes led to cracking of plexiglas nose and resulted in replacement with rough looking plywood cone.


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