Douglas Y1B-7
Douglas · United States · first flew 1931 · bomber
The Douglas Y1B-7 was a single-engine high-wing monoplane bomber developed for the US Army Air Corps in the early 1930s, representing an important transition from biplane to monoplane bomber design in American military aviation.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 14 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Early 1930s US Army Air Corps monoplane bomber
- High-wing cantilever design, one engine
- Predecessor to later twin-engine Douglas bombers
Large high-wing monoplane with a long streamlined fuselage, single Conqueror inline engine, fixed spatted undercarriage, and an enclosed cockpit. The high wing and single engine distinguish it from contemporary multi-engine bombers.
Specifications
- The Douglas Y1B-7 has a length of 14 m (46 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 19.81 m (65 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 293 km/h (182 mph).
- Typical crew: 4.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Douglas developed the B-7 series as part of the early 1930s modernisation of the USAAC bomber fleet. The Y1B-7 designation indicated a service test aircraft funded through a special budget allocation. Powered by a single Curtiss V-1570 Conqueror engine, it was fast for its time. Seven Y1B-7s were built and they provided operational experience, though the type was soon superseded by twin-engine designs.
Variants
The Y1B-7 was the service test version; the O-22 was a related observation variant. The B-7 remained a single-engine design and was quickly made obsolete by multi-engine developments.
Where you'll see it
Operated by the US Army Air Corps from 1932 in small numbers. Based in the continental United States for operational evaluation. Retired relatively quickly as larger twin-engine monoplanes became available.
Related aircraft
AircraftIQ — the aircraft field guide: 4,893 recognition guides, live overhead identification, works offline.