Douglas XB-43 Jetmaster Aircraft Manuals Collection – America's first jet-powered bomber, a pioneering development that bridged the gap between piston-driven and jet-powered military aviation. This structured collection provides essential documentation for researchers, aviation historians, and enthusiasts studying early American jet bomber development.
Definitive Collection with Free Lifetime Updates: This is a living collection that we continuously expand and refine. As we acquire additional XB-43 documentation, technical bulletins, or variant-specific materials, we update this collection and provide free lifetime updates to all purchasers. Your one-time purchase guarantees access to all future additions and improvements to this collection.
Historical Note
The Douglas XB-43 Jetmaster holds a unique place in aviation history as the first American jet-powered bomber to fly, taking to the air on 17 May 1946. Developed directly from the piston-driven XB-42 Mixmaster, the XB-43 replaced the Allison piston engines with two General Electric J35-GE-3 axial-flow turbojets, each producing 4,000 lbf of thrust.
The conversion from the XB-42 airframe involved significant modifications: removal of the propellers and driveshafts freed space for jet exhaust ducts, while air inlets were added behind the cockpit. The cruciform tail of the XB-42 was replaced with a three-surface unit, and the dorsal fin was enlarged to compensate for yaw stability issues caused by removing the ventral fin. The design retained the laminar flow-airfoil wing from the XB-42, contributing to high-speed performance by reducing drag.
Two prototypes were built (44-61508 and 44-61509). The first prototype was damaged in a 1951 landing and used for parts, while the second, often referred to as the YB-43 "Versatile II," continued testing until December 1953. The aircraft featured a unique "bug-eye" canopy arrangement with two pilots sitting side-by-side under separate canopies.
Despite achieving impressive performance figures—maximum speeds of 507-515 mph, service ceiling of 38,500 feet, and a rate of climb of 2,470 feet per minute—the XB-43 was ultimately utilized as a testbed rather than entering production. Development delays and the emergence of superior alternatives like the B-45 Tornado relegated the Jetmaster to experimental status. The YB-43 served as an important test bed for the General Electric J47 turbojet and other engine evaluations at Edwards AFB.
The surviving YB-43 is currently preserved in the collection of the National Museum of the United States Air Force, representing a crucial stepping stone in American jet bomber development.
Manuals Included in This Collection
- Douglas XB-43 Aircraft Preliminary Erection and Maintenance Instructions Manual, 1945
- Douglas XB-43 Aircraft Pilot's Handbook Flight Operation Instructions Manual, 1947
This collection covers the essential operational and maintenance documentation for the XB-43 Jetmaster, spanning from preliminary erection procedures through flight operations. The manuals provide detailed insights into the aircraft's systems, handling characteristics, and maintenance requirements during its experimental testing phase.
Engineering Norms and Standards
Aerodynamic and Design Reports: The XB-43 modified the XB-42 static test airframe by replacing Allison piston engines with two General Electric J35 axial-flow turbojets. Removing the propellers and driveshafts freed up space for jet exhaust ducts with air inlets added behind the cockpit. The ventral fin/rudder from the cruciform tail was removed, and the dorsal fin/rudder unit was enlarged to compensate for yaw stability loss. Initial Plexiglass noses experienced structural issues due to pressure/temperature changes; the second prototype (YB-43) was fitted with a plywood nose with smaller, revised windows. The design maintained the laminar flow-airfoil wing from the XB-42, contributing to high-speed performance by reducing drag.
Engine Technical Notes: Primary powerplant consisted of two General Electric J35-GE-3 turbojets, initially rated at 3,750 lbf each, later increased to 4,000 lbf. The aircraft was noted as being underpowered for its intended role. The prototypes were used to test various engines, including the General Electric J47 turbojet, evaluating performance as engine technology evolved, particularly at Edwards AFB.
Handling and Stability Studies: Despite positive initial reports, the XB-43 suffered from stability issues. The removal of the ventral fin required enlargement of the dorsal vertical stabilizer to improve yaw stability. Early flight testing suggested that while speed was good, the aircraft had issues with uncoordinated controls and energetic vibrations, similar to its predecessor. Overall handling qualities were considered acceptable for an experimental aircraft, though not suitable for production.
Performance Data Sheets: Maximum speed of 507-515 mph (440 knots), cruising speed of 420 mph, range of approximately 1,100 miles with maximum payload (maximum range of 2,500-2,840 miles), service ceiling of 38,500 feet, and rate of climb of 2,470 feet per minute. Designed bomb load of 8,000 lb (bomber variant) or 16 x .50 cal machine guns and 36 x 5-inch rockets (attack variant).
Engineering Bulletins and Development: Two prototypes were built. The first (44-61508) was damaged in a 1951 landing and used for parts; the second (44-61509), the YB-43 "Versatile II," continued testing until December 1953. The cockpit featured a unique "bug-eye" canopy arrangement with two pilots sitting side-by-side under separate canopies. NASA (formerly NACA) conducted 1/8-scale powered model tests to evaluate high-speed aerodynamic characteristics.
Format and Delivery
All manuals are delivered as high-quality 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). The collection is organized in a clear folder structure for easy navigation and reference.
Disclaimer
These manuals are provided for historical reference, research, and educational purposes only. They represent the original factory documentation from the 1940s experimental testing period. This digital compilation, structure, indexing and presentation are © Sicuro Publishing.