Test vehicle under a B-17

[CJGibson]

While on a rummage, I found this photo of a B-17 (or rather a PB-1W or maybe a P4D-1W) with what looks like a model of a Bearcat slung underneath.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vintage-Plane-Photo-Boeing-PB-1W-B-17-AZ2872-/130612406753?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1e691b29e1

Anyone got any idea what's going on here? Drop test?

Chris

 

[Steve Pace]

F8F aerodynamic test most likely. -SP

 

[Stargazer]

this photo of a B-17 (or rather a PB-1W or maybe a P4D-1W)

What on earth did you mean here??

 

[Steve Pace]

FYI: The airplane in question was a USN PB-1W (USN BuNo 34106) that began life as a USAAF B-17F-75-DL (USAAF s/n 42-3521) built by Douglas Aircraft in Long Beach, CA. It was transferred to the Cornell Aeronautical Laboratory as a jet engine test bed and redesignated XPB-1. -SP

 

[CJGibson]

So, Douglas-bulit PB-1Ws aren't technically P4D-1Ws then?

Chris

 

[Steve Pace]

PB-1Ws were created from modified B-17s - they were not produced on the production line. There is no such designation as P4D-1W. -SP

 

[CJGibson]

Weren't the first PB-1Ws created from Douglas-bulit B-17s, which would make them...

Chris

 

[Steve Pace]

PB-1Ws only. -SP

 

[CJGibson]

So this...(para 1, line 4)

http://www.joebaugher.com/usaf_bombers/b17_19.html

...is bolleaux?

Or is it pedantry?

Chris

 

[Steve Pace]

You decide - LOL. -SP