Such was the importance of the Boeing B-29 Superfortress to the United States Army Air Forces during the latter stages of World War 2 (1939-1945) that the program was given several fail safes to keep it a viable heavy bomber product moving forwards. This led to a YB-29 developmental machine being set aside by the USAAF for alternative powerplant implementation - assuming that the required stock of problematic Wright R-3350 radial engines would not be available for one reason or another. A modification process was undertaken by Fisher Body (General Motors) in 1944 on the YB-29 aircraft and this went on to produce the XB-39 "Spirit of Lincoln" bomber prototype.
Its basic form and function remained faithful to the original Boeing design but the powerplants in play were now focused on 4 x Allison V-3420-17 series liquid-cooled engine (the original B-29 relied on the aforementioned Wright air-cooled units). Fisher was also using these engines in its (ultimately failed) P-75 "Eagle" long-range escort fighter. Delays in the intended turbosuperchargers dogged the XB-39 project so the first-flight on December 9th, 1944 was had without these installed - though the aircraft provided a successful demonstration nonetheless.
Despite the promising nature of the large aircraft, the Wright air-cooled radials, warts and all, remained the primary focus of the B-29 production campaign, leaving the XB-39 without a battlefield role or notable buyer. Additionally, Fisher was pushed to commit more and more of its resources to the XP-75 fighter prototype which held higher priority for the USAAF at this point in the war. Decisions led to the ultimately abandonment of the XB-39 project with the single prototype being completed and flown (if only for a short time).
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Specifications
Boeing Company / Fisher (General Motors) Manufacturer(s)
STANDARD:
10 x 0.50 cal Browning M2 heavy machine guns in four remote-controlled turrets.
2 x 0.50 cal Browning M2 heavy machine guns and 1 x 20mm M2 cannon in tail unit.
OPTIONAL:
Up to 20,000lb of conventional drop stores held internally.
0 Hardpoints
XB-39 - Base Project Designation; single, flyable prototype completed.
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