Beechcraft XA-38 Grizzly

Beechcraft · United States · first flew 1944 · bomber

The Beechcraft XA-38 Grizzly was an American twin-engine ground-attack aircraft prototype of World War II, notable for its 75mm cannon in the nose — the same weapon as the B-25H Mitchell. Despite excellent performance, it never entered production.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	Mid-mounted, straight
E — Engines	2 × piston, wing-mounted
F — Fuselage	15.77 m fuselage
T — Tail	Conventional

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WWII US twin-engine ground attack prototype with 75mm cannon
Large mid-wing monoplane, twin radial engines in underwing nacelles
Formidable armament but never reached production

Large sleek twin-engine attack aircraft with a glazed nose housing the 75mm cannon, mid-mounted straight wings with radial engine nacelles, and a clean streamlined fuselage.

Specifications

The Beechcraft XA-38 Grizzly has a length of 15.77 m (52 ft).
It has a wingspan of 20.52 m (67 ft).
Its maximum speed is 595 km/h (370 mph).
Typical crew: 2.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

The XA-38 first flew on 7 May 1944 and impressed test pilots with its speed, handling, and firepower. However, its Wright R-3350 engines were in critical demand for the Boeing B-29 Superfortress programme, and the USAAF could not spare them for a new ground-attack type. Only two prototypes were built and the project was cancelled despite the aircraft's clear capability.

Variants

Only two XA-38 prototypes were completed; no production variants were built due to engine supply constraints.

Where you'll see it

The XA-38 Grizzly was a pure prototype and never entered USAAF service; it is remembered as one of the most capable ground-attack designs that was not produced.

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