Convair B-36 Peacemaker
Summary
| Category | Bomber |
| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| First flight | 8 August 1946 |
| Year of introduction | 1949 |
| Number produced | 384 units |
| Average unit price | $10 million |
Description
The B-36 Peacemaker was a strategic bomber developed by Convair for the United States Air Force (USAF) during the early Cold War. It was one of the largest and heaviest bombers ever built and played a crucial role in the USAF's long-range nuclear deterrence strategy.
With its distinctive design, the B-36 featured a massive fuselage and a unique combination of piston and jet engines. Its immense size allowed it to carry an unprecedented payload and cover long distances without the need for aerial refueling. The aircraft had a wingspan of 70 meters and a length of 49 meters, making it an impressive presence in the sky. The proportions of the B-36 set the standard for subsequent generations of American strategic bombers such as the B-52 Stratofortress, B-1B Lancer, and B-2 Spirit.
Initially powered by six piston engines, later models were equipped with four additional jet engines, significantly improving its performance and speed. The B-36 had a top speed of approximately 700 km/h and a range of over 16,000 kilometers, allowing it to reach targets deep inside enemy territory.
The B-36 was primarily designed for delivering nuclear weapons, and it could carry a considerable payload of 39 tonnes of bombs, including nuclear munitions. Its four bomb bays were capable of accommodating very large-sized bombs, making it a formidable weapon in the USAF's strategic arsenal.
Despite its impressive capabilities, the Peacemaker had certain limitations. Its immense size and weight made it difficult to maneuver and required long runways for takeoff and landing. Additionally, advances in surface-to-air missile technology posed a significant threat to the B-36's survival in heavily defended airspace.
The B-36 Peacemaker entered service in the early 1950s and served as a symbol of American nuclear deterrence at the height of the Cold War. Although it never saw combat, its presence and strategic capabilities played a crucial role in shaping the geopolitical landscape of the time.
As the Cold War progressed and new jet bombers emerged, the B-36 was gradually phased out. The last of the 380 built was retired from service in 1959.
Technical specifications
| Version: B-36J | |
|---|---|
| Crew | 9 (B-36J) to 22 (RB-36D) |
| Operational range | 6413 km (3985 mi) |
| Maximum speed | 673 km/h (418 mph) |
| Wing area | 443.5 m² (4773.8 sqft) |
| Wingspan | 70 m (229.7 ft) |
| Height | 14.3 m (46.8 ft) |
| Length | 49.4 m (162.1 ft) |
| Service ceiling | 13289 m (43599 ft) |
| Empty weight | 75530 kg (166515 lbs) |
| Max. takeoff weight | 185973 kg (410000 lbs) |
| Climb rate | 10.1 m/s (33.1 ft/s) |
| Powerplant | 4 × turbojets General Electric J47-GE-19 delivering 2359 kgp; 6 × radial engine Pratt & Whitney R-4360-53 Wasp Major delivering 2834 kW |
Current operating countries
No country is operating the B-36 Peacemaker in 2024.
All operators
Armament
Bombs payload:
- Thermonuclear Mark 17
Photo of B-36 Peacemaker
