Douglas XT3D-1/-2 Torpedo Bomber

[Bill S]

Interesting design with all metal wing structure covered with fabric submitted as a replacement for the Martin T4M.
The performance of the three seat T3D-1 was not sufficiently superior to the T4M and was sent back to Douglas for
modification into the T3D-2. Neither aircraft resulted in a production contract.

Here are some NARA II 72-AC images of the the XT3D-1.

 

[Bill S]

XT3D-1 folded up for carrier stowage.

NARA II 72AC images.

 

[Stargazer]

Splendid set of photos, Bill S, thanks for this!

The T3D design would surely have won no beauty prize, but it was interesting indeed. However, it represented a design philosophy that was totally being outdated by progress in monoplane construction.

Here's a beautiful three-view plan of the XT3D-1. Unfortunately I have no idea where it was scanned from.

 

[Stargazer]

And here's a (not very good) photo of the XT3D-2 modification.
I certainly have better pics in books, but my scanner is lousy and hasn't been working very well of late... :-(

 

[Silencer1]

And this was the same company, that few years later build DC-3!
From biplanes to monoplanes, from tube-frame fuselage to smooth skin!
Just wow!

P.S. Thanks for sharing. Unremarkable aircraft, although built for it's task.

 

[Bill S]

Here are some images of Buno 8730 after modification to XT3D-2 standard.
NARA II 72AC101 photos.

 

[Stargazer]

Bill S, you are my hero! (well, today at least)

Thank you so much for your great efforts.

 

[dan_inbox]

I am confused now. Why is this thread not in the Early Projects section?

 

[Stargazer]

I am confused now. Why is this thread not in the Early Projects section?

True, this. The T3D design did NOT result in any production type, nor did it herald any similar type that would have.
It was an obsolete concept right from the start and remained strictly experimental.

For that reason I'm moving the topic to the suggested section right away.

 

[memaerobilia]

XT3D-2, 8730, with MANY modifications. No wheel pants, Large Three-blade prop (the only photo I've seen with the 3-blade prop), different engine, much bigger cowling, different cockpit arrangement

 

[lauhof52]

This the profile of XT3D-1 and XT3D-2. Made it sometime ago

regards
lauhof

 

[Bill S]

I am confused now. Why is this thread not in the Early Projects section?

True, this. The T3D design did NOT result in any production type, nor did it herald any similar type that would have.
It was an obsolete concept right from the start and remained strictly experimental.

For that reason I'm moving the topic to the suggested section right away.

Sorry guys. I was not trying to cause confusion.
In my simple logic under the header Early Aircraft Projects the word unbuilt appears.
If one was built, flown and tested then that would not qualify as unbuilt would it?

 

[Stargazer]

In my simple logic under the header Early Aircraft Projects the word unbuilt appears.
If one was built, flown and tested then that would not qualify as unbuilt would it?

True, this. I don't remember seeing such a clear-cut description before in the main page. In my previous stint as a moderator, the consensus was that if it had been built but only in prototype form, it could qualify for the "Early projects" section too. Perhaps this has changed? In my opinion, the "Aerospace" section is already such a blob of all and sundry that I don't think it needs the addition of thousands of topics on one-off aircraft and prototypes... I'll enquire about this with the other mods and let you know.