Douglas XB19 (plus bonus models of three USAAF WW2 fighterprojects)

In 1935, the USAAC launched a top secret project for a super long-range "Project-D" bomber. The Army issued contracts for preliminary design to two aircraft companies, which were designated as Douglas XBLR-2 and Sikorsky XBLR-3. In 1936, the mockups of two designs were inspected. The Douglas proposal was chosen, and the Sikorsky contract was cancelled. As the designation BLR was abolished, the XBLR-2 was redesignated XB-19. The progress of the prototype was slow due to the shortage of funds from the USAAC. The Douglas recommended to cancel the project. In 1940, the Army removed the XB-19 from secret project list and announced it to the public that it was a new bomber for American defense. The XB-19 finally completed and made its first flight in 1941. After Pearl harbor attack, the XB-19 was painted in camouflage and moved to Wright field for avoiding any Japanese raid. Due to the Wright engine problems, the XB-19 was modified with four Allison engines, and was redesignated XB-19A. It began carrying cargo during war time. By the end of war, further development of XB-19 was deemed uneconomical and it was scrapped in 1949.