Boeing XR-16

Jos Heyman

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Design studies for the XR-16 were approved in August 1948 with the project designation MX-1608. The project was cancelled on 3 January 1951, at which point in time no design had been finalized. I understand that at the time of cancellation of the XR-16, the B-52 design had not yet progressed to the final all-jet configuration.
Does anybody know what the Boeing design number for the XR-16 was and does a drawing or picture exist?
 
Makes me wonder what happened to the R-13, R-14 and R-15... XR-12 Rainbow being the last R-number I'm aware of.

SP
 
Not "R" but "F" for photo-reconnaissance. The F-11 and F-12 survived beyond 1948 to be redesignated in the "R" class. F-13 was the first designation for what became the Boeing RB-29 and RB-29A; F-14 was the Lockheed FP-80A (then RF-80A) Shooting Star; F-15 of course was the Northrop "Reporter".
 
NARA II
COLLEGE PARK, MD
RG 342
Entry P-26
Sarah Clark Central Decimal Correspondence
Box 3684
NND 917647

SECRET

HEADQUARTERS
AIR MATERIEL COMMAND

Wright-Patterson AFB
Dayton, Ohio

MCGOXT/5-4102
14 October 1948

TECHNICAL INSTRUCTIONS

SERIAL NO: TI 2116

SUBJECT: Development of Strategic Reconnaissance Aircraft XR-16

TO: Directorate, Research & Development

1. Problem Presented:

a. To develop an aircraft that will meet the requirements outlined in the "Military Characteristics for Strategic Reconnaissance Aircraft" dated 3 August 1948.

2. Factual Data:

a. It is desired that the military characteristics for this type aircraft be loosely construed in order to enable industry to more fully utilize its design research and initiative in developing USAF aircraft.

b. In accordance with the Aircraft Weapons Board decision of January, 1948, the development of this Strategic Reconnaissance airplane has a priority lower than the XB-52 and higher than the XB-55. It is urgent that aggressive effort be applied to this development so that production quantities may be obtained at the earliest possible date.

3. Authority:

a, C/S USAF by 2nd Indorsement, dated August 17, 1948 to basic letter dated 5 May 1948 subj: "Strategic Reconnaissance Aircraft Characteristics."

4. Action Desired:

a. Directorate, Research & Development will accomplish that which is required under "Problem Presented."

b. A priority of 1-B is assigned to this project.

BY COMMAND OF GENERAL McNARNEY:

BRYAN L. DAVIS
Colonel, USAF
Adjutant General

OFFICIAL:

BRYAN L. DAVIS
Colonel, USAF
Adjutant General

DISTRIBUTION:

MCG (1)
MCC (4)
MCR (32)
MCM (20)
MCI (2)
MCA (2)
MCP (6)
MCGEH (1)
MCAGXP (1)
MCAGXF-11 (1)
DCS/M Wash(3)
AFMSS Wash(4)

T-37812-0
 
NARA II
COLLEGE PARK, MD
RG 342
Entry P-26
Sarah Clark Central Decimal Correspondence
Box 3698
NND 917647

MCREOA-2/GWH/md

MAR 17 1949

SUBJECT: Strategic Reconnaissance Aircraft Development

TO: Deputy Chief of Staff, Materiel
Headquarters, USAF
Washington 25, D.C.

1. Reference is made to Hq. USAF letter, dated 5 May 1948, subject: “Strategic Reconnaissance Aircraft Characteristics”, and 3rd Indorsement, dated 8 September 1948.

2. By 2nd Indorsement, dated 17 August 1948, to the reference letter, the Air Materiel Command was directed to develop an aircraft to meet the requirements established by the Military Characteristics for Strategic Reconnaissance Aircraft, dated 3 August 1948. Funds have not been made available for this development in the current Research and Development program. Since the XB-52 airplane has been redesigned for turbo-jet engines in lieu of turbo-prop engines, its performance is comparable to that established for the Strategic Reconnaissance Aircraft. Studies are therefore being conducted in an effort to fulfill the requirement with a reconnaissance version of the B-52 airplane.

FOR THE COMMANDING GENERAL:

/S/
FRED. R. DENT, JR.
Colonel, USAF
Chief, Engineering Operations
Engineering Division

cc:
MCRE
 
NARA II
COLLEGE PARK, MD
RG 342
Entry P-26
Sarah Clark Central Decimal Correspondence
Box 3698
NND 917647

Basic Comm: Ltr fm AMC TO C/S, Subj: "Strategic Reconnaissance Aircraft Development" dated 17 March 1949.

1st Ind.

AFMEN-1A

Headquarters, U. S. Air Force, Wash. 25, D.C., 25 March 1949

TO: Commanding General, Air Materiel Command, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio

1. The recent decision of the Fairchild Board to forego development of a special Strategic Reconnaissance Aircraft supersedes Headquarters, USAF Directive, dated 17 August 1948.

2. It is probable that a number of B-52 airplanes will be utilized as Strategic Reconnaissance Aircraft. To obviate the necessity of an extensive modification program it is desirable that thinking be directed to providing means for production line modification of B-52's to RB-52's.

BY COMMAND OF THE CHIEF OF STAFF:

/S/
D. E. PUTT
Brigadier General, U. S. Air Force
Director of Research & Development
Office, Deputy Chief of Staff, Materiel
 
Basically, what happened was that in the space of approximately 7.5 months (August 1948 to March 1949), the B-52 began it's change from the original straight winged turbo-prop design (Model 462) to the swept wing podded turbojet design (Model 464-49); and in doing so, the performance of the B-52 rather than being sedate; now met the requirements for the Strategic Reconnaissance Aircraft (aka XR-16).

So they basically killed the R-16 in favor of the RB-52.
 
It was also becoming a bit unwieldy...

------------


NARA II
COLLEGE PARK, MD
RG 342
Entry P-26
Sarah Clark Central Decimal Correspondence
Box 3698
NND 917647

MCREOA-5/GWH/hwh
10 November 1948

SUBJECT: Tentative Equipment for New Strategic and Tactical Reconnaissance Aircraft

TO: Chief of Staff
United States Air Force
Washington 25, D.C.
ATTN: Deputy Chief of Staff, Materiel

1. Inclosed herewith are two (2) copies of Memorandum Report MCREOA-5-6, dated 30 August 1948, subject "Tentative Equipment for New Strategic and Tactical Reconnaissance Aircraft". This report summarizes the conference held at the Air Materiel Command attended by representatives of Headquarters USAF and operational agencies to review the equipments tentatively established by the Air Materiel Command to neat the requirements of the operating agencies for new strategic and tactical reconnaissance aircraft.

2. It is pointed out that an aircraft capable of meeting the performance established by the approved Military Characteristics for Strategic Reconnaissance Aircraft and capable of carrying the equipment listed in the attached report will be comparable in size and gross weight to the XB-52 airplane, but employing a larger fuselage. Consequently, consideration should be given to the use of two versions of the same strategic reconnaissance aircraft design, equipped for photographic and electronic reconnaissance respectively. Weather reconnaissance requirements could be combined with either or both.

3. A considerable reduction in equipment weight has been effected on the XB-55 airplane as a means of obtaining increased performance. It is recommended that a similar weight reduction program be considered for strategic reconnaissance and that this headquarters be advised of any deletions of equipment requirements which are considered firm.

FOR THE COMMANDING GENERAL:

/s/
A. T. CULBERTSON
Colonel, USAF
Actg. Chief, Aircraft Projects Section
Engineering Division

1 Incl:
1. MR MCREOA-5-6,
dtd 30 Aug 48 (in dup)
 
NARA II
COLLEGE PARK, MD
RG 342
Entry P-26
Sarah Clark Central Decimal Correspondence
Box 3684
NND 917647

DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE
HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES AIR FORCE
Washington, D. C.

3 Aug 48

SUBJECT: Military Characteristics for Strategic Reconnaissance Aircraft

TO: Deputy Chief of Staff, Materiel

1. The following characteristics for military aircraft are approved:

a. Type: Reconnaissance, Strategic, all-purpose.

b. Class: High altitude, very long range, high speed, land plane.

c. Mission: The mission of this aircraft will be to secure the maximum amount of air intelligence. It must be capable of carrying a normal operating crew extreme distances, at extreme altitudes, at speeds closely approaching the speed of sound.

d. Requirements:

(1) Performance (at design gross weight conditions less 1/2 fuel unless otherwise specified).
(a) Average speed for tactical operating radius: 435 knots.
(b) Range at designed gross weight: 6080 nautical miles.*
*(Note: Without refueling. External fuel may be used up to within 1500 nautical miles of radius.)
(c) Tactical operating altitude: 45,000.**
**(Note: To be attained at 1500 nautical miles from the target.)
(d) Rate of Climb: Consistent with speed and altitude capabilities.
(e) Take-off Distance: Maximum rolling distance will not exceed 6,400 feet based upon maximum operating weight (considering probable growth) under conditions of 100°F day at 3,000 feet elevation. If assist thrust is used to meet this requirement; the aircraft will be engineered to accept a permanent installation of-liquid propellant rocket engines.
(f) Landing distance (at maximum operating weight): Not to exceed the take-off run established in paragraph 1d. (1) (e).
(g) After minimum performance has been realized, further improvements in performance shall be emphasized in the following order of priority:
1. Altitude
2. Range
3. Speed
(2) Flying Characteristics

(a) A high degree of stability and controllability consistent with requirements for precision photography at high speed operation and maximum altitude is required.
(b) The airplane will have no peculiarly dangerous stall, flight, or landing characteristics.
(3) Crew Composition:

(a) The number of the crew will depend on the type of mission required and the installation of Group B parts.
(b) Provision will be made for all combinations of Group B installations to be effectively manned. (See paragraph (8) (a).) In no case will the crew exceed 12 personnel.
(c) Provisions for a minimum crew as follows is necessary:
1. Pilot
2. Co-Pilot
3. Radar-Navigator (2)
4. Radio Operator
5. Photographer
(4) Armament Minimums:

(a) Guns: None.
(b) Bombs: Provisions will be made for carrying an adequate number of photoflash bombs.
(5) Armor: Bullet-proof glass not required. Vulnerable portions of the power plant will be protected from fire equivalent to .50 caliber armor piercing ammunition, at a minimum distance of 350 yards.

(6) Cargo Capacity: Provisions will be made for carrying spare camera magazines during flight. Minimum space required for tie-down kits and first echelon maintenance essentials.

(7) Equipment:

(a) Communication: The latest types of equipment will be installed to adequately provide for air to air, air to ground, and inter-crew communication throughout the range of the aircraft.

(b) Navigation: Latest types of equipment and crew positions will be installed to enable efficient navigation under all weather conditions, throughout the range of the aircraft. This equipment shall include the latest types of bombing radar, and computer. Provisions for precision navigation to be made.

(c) Warning: The latest and most efficient type of tail warning installations will be made. The latest types of IFF equipment will be installed.

(d) Instruments: Sufficient instruments will be installed to enable all crew members to operate effectively day or night in all types of weather.

(e) Oxygen: The aircraft will have all crew compartments pressurized and equipped with oxygen in accordance with current materiel requirement directives.

(f) Anti-icing and de-icing will be provided.

(g) Photographic: (Reference current materiel requirement directives). Provisions will be made for the installation of the latest types of cameras, intervalometers, recorders, night illuminants, etc., necessary to enable the aircraft to perform any type of reconnaissance mission for which the aircraft is designed. (See paragraph (8)(a).) Provision will be made for necessary expendables such as film reels and magazines. Emphasis will be placed on the. installation of automatic recording and operation of equipment to permit crew reduction. The design of the airplane shall permit horizon to horizon photographic coverage without cutout from the wings or engines and without having to photograph through engine exhaust or variable air densities caused by air foil or other appendages.

(h) Emergency:

1. Escape: Provision will be made for a device to provide rapid deceleration from maximum cruise speeds. Ground and air escape hatches required. Emergency crew ejection in flight is required.

2. Gear and Flaps: Emergency operations of flaps and landing gear to be provided.

3. Salvo: Emergency salvo of bombs and externally carried loads will be provided.

(i) Lighting: Required for night operation.

(j) Crew Comfort: Maximum crew comfort possible under combat conditions is required.

(k) Other Equipment:

1. A meant of providing rapid deceleration from high speeds will be incorporated.

2. Automatic pilot will be installed.

(8) Structure and Design Features:

(a) General Arrangement: The aircraft will be designed, built, and fitted with sufficient Group A parts of the latest types of equipment to enable the craft to be dispatched on any of the following types of reconnaissance missions after appropriate Group B parts and crew positions have been installed.

1. Photographic Reconnaissance, to include, day and night target, strip, pinpoint, oblique, charting and mapping photography, radar scope photography, or

2. Electronic Reconnaissance, Frequency range to be covered should be from 0.2 mcs to 10,500 mcs. The function of this equipment is for intercept, analysis, direction finding, etc., or

3. Weather Reconnaissance, or

4. Combinations of the above missions.

Primary consideration will be given to installing Group A components of all the various equipments in such a manner that where practicable the installation of Group B parts may be made by service group personnel in a minimum time, allowing the aircraft to be sent on any of the above listed reconnaissance missions.

(b) It is desired that thorough consideration be given to including provisions for air-to-air refueling, or other possible means of increasing the altitude, range and speed.

(c) Ease of Maintenance and Service: Provisions are to be made for ready accessibility to internal areas of the airframe, wing structure, engine nacelles, and special equipment for simplified procedures of inspection and maintenance. Provisions are to be made for quick engine changes. Accessory equipment will be installed in a manner to allow rapid replacement of “package” units.

(d) Visibility: Maximum visibility consistent with design of aircraft is required for forward, downward, and rearward views.

(e) Reduction of Fire Hazards: A fuel cell purging system is desired. Heat and flame resistant features will be incorporated throughout the aircraft.

(f) Ditching: Provided the performance characteristics are not adversely affected, the aircraft will be capable of being ditched satisfactorily.

(g) Ground Handling: The aircraft will lend itself readily to conventional methods of ground handling.

(h) Other Specific Features: The aircraft will be designed to incorporate features necessary for mass production.

FOR THE CHIEF OF STAFF:

/S/
LESLIE O. PETERSON
Colonel, USAF
Chief, Requirements Division
Directorate of Training & Requirements
 

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