Missing planes

[macleod01]

Now before you jump on me saying 'Go To Wishlist', read my post. This is one thing ive always wondered. What happened to the missing planes? Like the B23? We have the B24-B26, so what happened to B23 or B27 and B28 before we have the B29?

Or the P41? Maybe the P37? What ever happened to these planes? Yes I know its a stupid question, but im very curious as to how these numbers got missed out, and if they never, what happened to them?

[Lusche]

Douglas B-23: Only a few built, couldn't compete with other bombers like B-25
Martin (X)B-27: Only on paper, no was actually built
North American XB-28: Only prototypes

[macleod01]

so they did actually exist then?

[Noir]

yes, these will always exist in our hearts 

[APDrone]

Do look ups on experimental aircraft or prototypes.

Almost every number was assigned at some point or another, even if the design never actually made it off paper.

There were some good library books I spent many hours perusing 30 years ago that covered them all, but, for the life of me, I don't remember what the titles of them were.

A whole lot of creative engineering in some of those craft.

Used book stores are probably a good place to find some collections too.

Happy hunting..

[Lusche]

so they did actually exist then?

No.. of course they didn't exist when "only a few built" 

[macleod01]

Lusche, no need to get sarcastic with me. I was just surprised. Ive never heard of any of those planes before. <S> Sir and thank you for answering my question.

Drone, if you ever remember the names of those books, let me know.

[APDrone]

Here's one on amazon..

http://www.amazon.com/Concept-Aircraft-Prototypes-X-Planes-Experimental/dp/1592234801/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1212593284&sr=8-1

Looks like it might have some good stuff.

[BoilerDown]

What I want to know is... why "P"?  "F" makes sense... I presume it stands for "Fighter"... "B" for bomber... "A" for attack.  But I don't get "P".

And once that's answered... what made them switch to "F" exclusively?

[NoBaddy]

so they did actually exist then?

Of course they did. But, in many cases...only on a piece of paper.

[APDrone]

What I want to know is... why "P"?  "F" makes sense... I presume it stands for "Fighter"... "B" for bomber... "A" for attack.  But I don't get "P".

And once that's answered... what made them switch to "F" exclusively?

P was for Pursuit.

The conversion to F was made after WWII.. not sure what the reason.. maybe because 'Fighter' sounds more manly than 'Purse' suit?

[Lusche]

What I want to know is... why "P"?  "F" makes sense... I presume it stands for "Fighter"... "B" for bomber... "A" for attack.  But I don't get "P".

And once that's answered... what made them switch to "F" exclusively?

Pursuit

The new founded (1947) Air Force did adopt a new designation system (1948), which did rationalize the codes somewhat - Pursuit became Fighter, F (photographic) became (R)econ.

[Lusche]

Lusche, no need to get sarcastic with me. I was just surprised. Ive never heard of any of those planes before.

You are right. Instead of  I should have used  , would have been far more appropriate. Sorrry.

[Baumer]

This is a very simplified explanation ( like any governmental procurement procedures are ever simple) but, during that period of time, the Air Force would put out specifications for a new plane, and many companies would submit proposals to win the contract. The selection process would start out as a written paper submission that would be reviewed by an panel of Air Force officers. They would select a few designs to go on to the next stage, and the bidding companies would then have to build a prototype and have a "Fly Off" to win the contract. Once a design was in the prototype stage the government would then assign an identifier for better communications between the AF and the suppliers.

[Sloehand]

A good website to get some quick info about many U.S. WWII aircraft.

http://www.daveswarbirds.com/usplanes/american.htm