Convair XB-53 (1947)
Forward Swept-Wing Medium Bomber Project
PRODUCTION RUN: 2006-2013
About the Design
Originally designated the Convair XA-44 ("A" for "Attack), this craft was intended to be a medium bomber capable of carrying 12,000 pounds of bombs as well as 40 high-velocity aerial rockets (HVARs). The plane's most unusual features were its 30-degree forward-swept wings, a concept based on recently captured German WWII-era research. It was believed this configuration would give the plane a greater climb-rate and maneuverability.
To be powered by three G.E. J35 turbojets, the XA-44 found itself in competition with Convair's own XB-46, and while the company would have preferred to manufacture both planes, it ultimately chose to divert funds from the XA-44 to the more conventional XB-46 project. Under-funded and all but ignored, the XA-44 was redubbed the XB-53 in 1948, only to have the project cancelled altogether in 1949. Although two prototypes had been ordered, none were ever built. |
About the Model
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