Douglas XT3D

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Douglas XT3D
Douglas XT3D-1 in Sept 1931.jpeg
Douglas XT3D-1
RoleThree-seat torpedo bomber
National origin United States
Manufacturer Douglas Aircraft Company
First flight1931
Retired1941
Primary user United States Navy
Number built1

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]

Contents

Development

The XT3D-1 with one wing folded. Douglas XT3D-1 with folded wing 1931.jpeg
The XT3D-1 with one wing folded.

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]

Variants

The XT3D-2 in January 1933. Douglas XT3D-2 in January 1933.jpeg
The XT3D-2 in January 1933.
XT3D-1
Prototype powered by a Pratt & Whitney R-1690 radial, one built. [1] [2]
XT3D-2
Prototype modified including a change to a Pratt & Whitney R-1830 radial. [1] [2]

Operators

Flag of the United States (23px).png  United States

Specifications

Data from [1]

General characteristics

Performance

Armament

See also

Related lists

References

Notes
  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Orbis 1985, p. 1578
  2. 1 2 Andrade 1979, p. 224
Bibliography