Definition
The Douglas B-23 Dragon was an American twin‑engine medium bomber developed by the Douglas Aircraft Company for the United States Army Air Corps (later United States Army Air Forces) in the late 1930s and early 1940s.
Overview
Derived from the earlier Douglas B‑18 Bolo, the B‑23 incorporated a number of aerodynamic and defensive improvements, including a streamlined fuselage, a larger wingspan, and a more powerful engine installation. First flown in 1940, it entered limited service in 1941. Although the type was quickly superseded by more capable aircraft such as the Boeing B‑17 and Consolidated B‑24, the B‑23 served primarily as a training, transport, and utility aircraft throughout World War II. Approximately 1,200 airframes were built before production ceased in 1942.
Etymology/Origin
The designation “B‑23” follows the U.S. Army Air Corps bomber nomenclature, where “B” denotes “bomber” and the number indicates the sequential design order. The name “Dragon” was assigned by the Army Air Corps naming system, which used mythological creatures for medium bombers (e.g., B‑18 “Bolo,” B‑17 “Flying Fortress”).
Characteristics
- Crew: 5–6 (pilot, co‑pilot, navigator/bombardier, radio operator, gunner(s))
- Length: 68 ft 1 in (20.75 m)
- Wingspan: 95 ft 4 in (29.05 m)
- Height: 21 ft 9 in (6.63 m)
- Powerplant: Two Wright R‑2600‑22 Twin Cyclone radial engines, 1,600 hp each
- Maximum speed: ~315 mph (507 km/h) at 12,000 ft (3,658 m)
- Range: ~1,600 mi (2,575 km) with standard bomb load
- Service ceiling: 23,700 ft (7,225 m)
- Armament: Up to six .50 in (12.7 mm) M2 Browning machine guns in dorsal, ventral, and side positions; bomb load of up to 2,000 lb (907 kg) in an internal bomb bay.
The B‑23 featured a fully enclosed cockpit, a retractable landing gear, and a reinforced structure that allowed it to operate from a wider range of airfields than its predecessor.
Related Topics
- Douglas Aircraft Company
- Douglas B‑18 Bolo (predecessor)
- Boeing B‑17 Flying Fortress (contemporary heavy bomber)
- Consolidated B‑24 Liberator (contemporary heavy bomber)
- United States Army Air Forces (USAAF)
- List of World War II medium bombers