Martin M-272B Super Canberra

[overscan (PaulMM)]

The Martin M-272B Super Canberra design:

 

[Stargazer]

Paul, could you modify this topic's title? It reads "M-252B" while the content clearly says it's "M-242B"... Thanks!

 

[robunos]

As listed here :-

http://www.secretprojects.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,599.msg46559.html#msg46559

It's the model M-272 B, the number M-252 is listed as 'unassigned to aircraft'..........

see also here :-

https://www.secretprojects.co.uk/threads/8004

cheers,
Robin.

 

[overscan (PaulMM)]

Sorry. Typo.

 

[robunos]

No Probs.......

Basically a blend of the XB-51 and the the B-57, but with more power and therefore better performance.
Having said that, the only performance figure I've seen is an airspeed of 630 kts, from 'B-57 at War', by Mikesh.
I've also not seen any dimensions for this design, although the Mikesh book says it was to have had 'improved J65s',
so I suppose we could scale from the size of the intakes?
This would then allow us to get some idea of the size of the M-282 Comanche, here :-

http://www.secretprojects.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,8004.msg70492.html#msg70492


cheers,
Robin.

 

[fightingirish]

Martin M-272B "B-57B" Super Canberra
by Erik Simonsen in his book "A Complete History of US Combat Aircraft Flyoff Competitions" ,page 50

A What Might Have Been: A preview image from, "A Complete History of U.S. COMBAT AIRCRAFT Fly-Off Competitions", by Erik Simonsen. After the Martin XB-51 lost the fly-off competition to the English Electric Canberra, Martin was selected to build the Canberra (designated B-57) under license. The Martin Company offered a new blended design that incorporated the top characteristics of both the Canberra and the XB-51 - Martin designated the proposed design, the B-51B Super Canberra. The configuration featured swept wings with embedded engine nacelles, and the signature T-tail of the XB-51. The primary feature that would provide outstanding performance, would be the two afterburning engines that generated 21,700 lb. of thrust. Documents provided to the Air Force declared that the Super Canberra could be operational by 1954. However, wanting to avoid evaluating a new aircraft design, in November 1951 the Air Force rejected the Martin proposal. The book contains Ten Chapters of well known fighter/bomber competitions - due June 2016.

Source: Erik Simonsen at Facebook

 

[thefrecklepuny]

Fascinating find. Could this have negated the need for the F-105 Thunderchief? Different planes of course. One (Thunderchief) is a single engined, single seater. The other (Super Canberra) is a twin engined, two seater.

On the other hand, both seem to share a very similar mission profile, namely hi-speed tactical nuclear selivery.