Consolidated B-32 Dominator
Consolidated Aircraft · United States · first flew 1942 · bomber
The Consolidated B-32 Dominator was a four-engine heavy bomber developed as a backup to the Boeing B-29 Superfortress in case the more complex B-29 programme failed. Though it reached production and combat service, it was vastly overshadowed by the B-29 and saw only limited operations.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 4 × piston, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 25.3 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Four-engine WWII heavy bomber, B-29 backup programme
- Single large fin (production aircraft), Davis wing
- Wright R-3350 radial engines, unpressurised cabin in service aircraft
The B-32 resembles the B-29 at first glance — four Wright R-3350 engines, Davis wing — but has a distinctive large single vertical fin and a more angular greenhouse nose, lacking the B-29's circular fuselage cross-section.
Specifications
- The Consolidated B-32 Dominator has a length of 25.3 m (83 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 41.15 m (135 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 575 km/h (357 mph).
- Typical crew: 8-10.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Designed concurrently with the B-29 from a common specification, the XB-32 first flew in September 1942. Early versions had twin tails and a pressurised fuselage, but production aircraft were simplified with a single large fin and unpressurised crew stations. The B-32 flew combat missions in the Pacific in 1945, and its last operational sorties were reconnaissance flights on 18 August 1945, after Japan's surrender, during which it was attacked by Japanese fighters.
Variants
The XB-32 prototype had twin tails; production B-32As used a single large fin. The TB-32 was a training variant. Total production was 118 aircraft.
Where you'll see it
Operated by the USAAF's 386th Bombardment Squadron in the Pacific Theatre in the final months of WWII; retired immediately after the war ended.
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- Avro Lancaster B.III
- B-29 Superfortress
- Boeing B-17F Flying Fortress
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