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Home > Fact Sheets > Douglas B-23
DOUGLAS B-23
The B-23 is a twin-engine bomber developed as a successor to the Douglas B-18A. First flown in July 1939, the B-23 incorporated many features of the Douglas DC-3 commercial transport. Although it was much faster than the B-18 and was the first operational Army bomber equipped with a tail gun, the Dragon was soon outclassed by more modern bombers such as the North American B-25 and the Martin B-26. As a result, only 38 B-23s were built.
The B-23s were never used in combat during World War II. Instead they served in secondary roles as reconnaissance, training, transport and test-bed aircraft. Some of the Dragons used in transport service were redesignated UC-67s.
The museum has a B-23 in its collection.
| Type |
Number built/
converted |
Remarks |
| B-23 |
38 |
Improved B-18A |
TECHNICAL NOTES:
Armament: Three .30-cal. M-2 machine guns, one .50-cal. M-2 machine gun, plus 4,000 lbs. of bombs carried internally
Engines: Two Wright R-2600-3s of 1,600 hp each
Maximum speed: 282 mph
Cruising speed: 210 mph
Range: 1,400 miles
Service ceiling: 31,600 ft.
Span: 92 ft. 0 in.
Length: 58 ft. 6 in.
Height: 18 ft. 6 in.
Weight: 32,400 lbs. maximum
Crew: Six
Serial numbers: 39-27 to 39-64
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