1/72 scale North American XB-28 - high altitude version of the B-25 Mitchell

Aircraft History and Specification

In 1939, the USAAF issued requirement for a new medium bomber which could operate at high-altitude to avoid attack from ground fire. Martin and North American responded with the requirement, Martin submitted the Model 182 which was redesigned from the B-26 Marauder, and North American proposed NA-63 which was based from the B-25 Mitchell. In 1940, North American's design was chosen to entry the development, and was received contract for two prototypes that designated XB-28. The first prototype made its first flight on April 1942, and was proved an excellent design, with significantly better performance than the B-25. However, USAAF changed the requirement and rejected the XB-28 project as it was to be found that high-altitude bombing was too susceptible to errors caused by wind, cloud cover. The second prototype was completed as the XB-28A reconnaissance version. At the same time, most medium bombing during the war was done successfully from low altitudes, and it was decided not to interrupt Mitchell production for an untried type, the XB-28 project was cancelled.

Type:

Purpose:

Span:

Length:

Height:

Engine:

Max.speed:

Crew:

Armament:

Experimental high-altitude medium bomber

To design as the high altitude bomber to meet U.S.A.A.F. requirement.

72ft.7in.

56ft.5in.

14ft.

2x Pratt & Whitney R2800-11 radial engine

372 mph

6x 0.5 inch machine gun / 4000 pounds bomb load

Model References

The North American XB-28 is suitable to group with the following collection series.

U.S.A.A.F. bomber in World War II 1937~1945

Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress

Douglas B-18 Bolo

Douglas XB-19A Flying Behemoth

Boeing XB-20

North American XB-21 Dragon

Douglas XB-22 Bolo

Douglas B-23 Dragon

Consolidated B-24 Liberator

North American B-25 Mitchell

Martin B-26 Marauder

Martin XB-27

North American XB-28

Boeing B-29 Superfortress

Lockheed XB-30 Constellation

Douglas XB-31

Consolidated B-32 Dominator

Martin XB-33 Super Marauder

Lockheed B-34 Ventura

Northrop XB-35 Flying Wing

Convair XB-36 Peacemaker

Lockheed B-37 Lexington

Boeing-Lockheed-Vega XB-38

Boeing XB-39 Spirit of Lincoln

Boeing-Lockheed-Vega YB-40

Consolidated-Vultee XB-41

Douglas XB-42 (XA-42) Mixmaster

Douglas XB-43 Jetmaster