Boeing History: B-9 Bomber

B-9 bomberThe Boeing B-9 bomber was the earliest plane based on the Monomail design. It had a top speed of 186 mph and could outrun the fighters of the day by 5 mph. The monoplane bomber reached this speed although it had a five-person crew (in open cockpits) and carried a 2,400-pound bomb load.

Boeing built the YB-9 prototype bombers at company expense to show their design potential to the military. This high-speed aircraft inspired other airplane manufacturers to launch a new generation of bombers, such as the Martin B-10. Because fighters were expected to be faster than bombers, the B-9 also led to the first monoplane fighters.

Specifications

First flight:

April 13, 1931

Model number:

214/215

Classification:

Bomber

Span:

76 feet

Length:

51 feet 5 inches

Gross weight:

13,919 pounds

Top speed:

186 mph

Cruising speed:

158 mph

Range:

1,150 miles

Ceiling:

20,150 feet

Power:

Two 600-horsepower P&W Hornet engines

Accommodation:

5 crew

Armament:

2 machine guns, 2,400-pound bomb load