Was there such a thing as a jet conversion proposal based upon the B-24 ? I recall reading of same but unsure where
cheers, Joe
That, if existed, would be interesting. But it seems not probable.
My thoughts:
LB-25 was an advanced B-24 study from May 1940. 4 x Wright R-3350 (Pg 145)
A 4 x TG100 Turboprop powered B-32 version studied in October 1944 (Pg148). The TG-100 failed to deliver the expected 2300 hp, reaching only 1700 hp.
Thus, to me, seems more probable an hypothetical turboprop B-24 study than a jet powered one.
The then available engine was the J31, at 7,3 KN Thrust lacked the power required. The following J35-GE-2, for comparison, offered 17 KN
The USAAF asked for a jet replacement in that class in early 1944.
Feasibility studies for a jet powered bomber, however, can be traced back to Sept 1943 (Development Engineering Branch in Washington, DC asked AMC Engineering Division at Wright Field about the utilisation of TG-180 engines) and Boeing engineers considered that a medium jet bomber was possible. In January 1944 they proposed the Model 413 to the 1943 reconnaissance competition. In May 1944 Boeing was already producing medium jet bomber designs.
The "medium jet bomber" requirement asked for a 80,000 to 90,000 GW with GE TG-180 (J35) engines. The B-24J MTOW was 65,000 lb.
Convair submitted their fresh Model 109 (XB-46) proposal in November 1944. Again there's no "place" for an hypothetical jet powered B-24 study to have ever been considered.
Sources:
"Convair Advanced Designs" by Robert E Bradley
"Boeing B-47" by C Mike Habermehl & Robert S Hopkins III
"B-47 & B-52 Origins and Evolution" by Scott Lowther
