Boeing XPBB-1 Sea Ranger

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The frequent appearance of German U-Boats close to U.S. coastal waters made the U.S. Navy aware that it needed a long-range maritime patrol aircraft. Because Boeing had considerable experience with flying boats (the most famous being the Boeing 314-A "Clipper" used by Pan Am Airways), the Navy approached Boeing about designing a suitable aircraft for its purposes. In June 1940 a contract was awarded for a prototype XPBB-1, with the first flight taking place in July 1942. Unfortunately for Boeing, changing ideas regarding maritime patrol aircraft brought cancellation of the order for the U.S. Navy's XPBB-1 Sea Rangers, and this excellent flying boat never proceeded beyond the prototype stage. The sole example of the Sea Ranger was unofficially given the name "The Lone Ranger".

Boeing XPBB-1 Sea Ranger

Type:		long-range maritime patrol/bomber flying boat
Crew:
Armament: 	eight .50 inch machine guns
		up to 20,000 lbs. (9,072 kg) of bombs

Specifications:
	Length:        	94' 9" (28.88 m)
	Height:        	34' 2" (10.41 m)
	Wingspan:      	139' 8.5" (42.58 m)
	Wing area:	1826 sq. ft (169.64 sq. m)
	Empty Weight:  	41,531 lb (18,838 kg)
	Max Weight: 	101,130 lb (45,872 kg) max at takeoff

Propulsion:
	No. of Engines:	2
	Powerplant:    	Wright R-3350-8 Cyclone radial
	Horsepower:	2300 hp each

Performance:
	Range:		6300 miles (10,140 km)
	Max Endurance:	72 hours
	Cruise Speed:   158 mph ( 254 km/h)
	Max Speed:      228 mph ( 367 km/h) at 14,200 ft
	Ceiling:       	22,400 ft (6830 m)

(go to Boeing page)