014 WORLD WAR II US GUNSHIPS YB-40 FLYING FORTRESS and XB-41 LIBERATOR BOMBER ESCORTS

1-969014

Describes the politics, development, and associated problems of both escort types. The XB-40 and XB-41 were secret, little-known experimental modifications of the B-17F and B-24D, respectively, into heavily-armed bomber gunships sometimes referred to as bomber escorters. They were developed during early World War II in response to the lack of a USAAF long-range fighter aircraft able to escort and protect regular B-17 formations making the round trip from Britain deep into Germany.

Unfortunately, these 'protecters' were found wanting in several ways -- after the addition of guns and ammunition they became overweight and tail-heavy causing center of gravity problems and each encountered numerous delays in the development and delivery of their various armament additions and improvements, particularly the Bendix chin turret.