The Douglas XB-42 "Mixmaster" was an experimental, high-speed medium bomber designed during WWII to achieve heavy-bomber ranges without the size or cost, utilizing an innovative, highly streamlined pusher-propeller configuration.

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Historical Note

The Douglas XB-42 "Mixmaster" represented one of the most innovative bomber designs of World War II. Conceived to deliver heavy-bomber range and payload without the size, weight, or cost penalties of conventional multi-engine bombers, the XB-42 employed a radical pusher-propeller configuration that eliminated drag from external engine nacelles. Two Allison V-1710 V-12 engines were installed inside the fuselage behind the crew cabin, driving 3-bladed contra-rotating propellers at the tail through long drive shafts.

The aircraft featured a laminar-flow airfoil and cruciform tail with a prominent ventral fin that served as a bumper to protect the propellers during high-angle takeoffs and landings. Early testing revealed instability and excessive yaw, leading to tail and rudder extensions that improved stability. The first prototype's engines produced 1,325 hp at takeoff with a 1,800 hp war emergency rating, while the second prototype received upgraded engines producing 1,675 hp at takeoff and 1,900 hp for war emergency power.

Performance was impressive: the XB-42 achieved a maximum speed of 410 mph at 23,440 ft, with a cruising speed of 312 mph and a service ceiling of 29,400 ft. On December 8, 1945, the second prototype set a transcontinental speed record from Long Beach to Washington D.C., covering the distance in 5 hours, 17 minutes, averaging 433.6 mph. Normal range was 1,800 miles, extending to 5,400 miles with additional fuel tanks in the bomb bay.

Despite its high speed and innovative design, the XB-42 suffered from significant vibration issues caused by the long propeller drive shafts, challenging engine cooling, and poor controllability at low speeds. The first prototype was later modified to the XB-42A, adding two Westinghouse 19XB-2A turbojets under the wings to test mixed propulsion, reaching 488 mph. However, as the military shifted focus to pure jet bombers like the B-45, the XB-42 program was cancelled. Only two prototypes were built, making this one of aviation's most fascinating experimental designs.

Manuals Included in This Collection

• Douglas XB-42 Aircraft Pilots Handbook Flight Operation Instructions Manual, 1945
• Douglas XB-42 MX-392 Aircraft Erection and Maintenance Instructions Manual, 1944
• Douglas XB-42A Aircraft Pilots Handbook Flight Operation Instructions Manual, 1944

This collection provides comprehensive coverage of both the original XB-42 and the jet-augmented XB-42A variant, spanning flight operations, maintenance procedures, and erection instructions from the mid-1940s test program.

Engineering Norms and Standards

The XB-42 was developed under U.S. Army Air Forces experimental aircraft specifications during World War II. Key engineering features included:

• Aerodynamic Design: Laminar-flow airfoil designed to minimize drag and maximize speed efficiency
• Pusher Configuration: Contra-rotating propellers driven by buried engines to eliminate nacelle drag
• Powerplant: Two Allison V-1710-125 liquid-cooled engines with air intakes in the wing leading edge
• Tail Configuration: Cruciform tail with extended rudder and ventral fin for stability and propeller protection
• Safety Systems: Explosive charge to jettison propeller assembly for emergency crew bail-out
• Armament: Two forward-firing .50-inch machine guns plus two retractable rear-firing twin turrets on wing trailing edges
• Dimensions: Wingspan 70 ft 6 in; Length 53 ft 8 in; Height 18 ft 10 in (later increased)
• Weights: Empty weight 20,888 lb; Maximum loaded weight 35,702 lb

Format and Delivery

All manuals are delivered as high-resolution PDF files via instant digital download upon purchase. Files are optimized for both screen viewing and printing, compatible with all modern devices (Windows, Mac, iOS, Android). Documents are organized in a clear folder structure for easy reference.

Disclaimer

These manuals are provided for historical reference, research, and educational purposes only. They represent the original factory documentation from the 1940s test program. This digital compilation, structure, indexing and presentation are © Sicuro Publishing.