Douglas XT3D | |
---|---|
![]() | |
Douglas XT3D-1 | |
Role | Three-seat torpedo bomber |
National origin | United States |
Manufacturer | Douglas Aircraft Company |
First flight | 1931 |
Retired | 1941 |
Primary user | United States Navy |
Number built | 1 |
The Douglas XT3D was an American three-seat torpedo bomber biplane developed by the Douglas Aircraft Company to meet a United States Navy requirement. [1]
The XT3D torpedo bomber (BuNo 8730) first flew in 1931. [1] It has been described as a "large and ugly" aircraft. [1] Of metal construction with a fabric covering the XT3D had folding wings and an arrestor hook for carrier operation. [1] With a fixed tailwheel landing gear and powered by a Pratt & Whitney R-1690 Hornet radial engine, [1] the XT3D had three open cockpits, forward for the gunner/bomb-aimer, center for the pilot, rear for another gunner. [1]
The XT3D failed to meet the United States Navy's requirements and after tests was returned to Douglas. [1] It was modified with a more powerful Pratt & Whitney XR-1830-54 radial, and wheel fairings and the two rear cockpits were enclosed. [1] Re-designated XT3D-2, it still failed to pass U.S. Navy trials and was not ordered into production. [1] The U.S. Navy used the prototype for the next ten years as a general-purpose aircraft until relegating it to use as an instructional airframe in 1941. [1]
Data from [1]
General characteristics
Performance
Armament
Related lists