Martin XLB-4
Glenn L. Martin Company · United States · first flew 1928 · bomber
The Martin XLB-4 was an American experimental light bomber biplane developed for the U.S. Army Air Corps in the late 1920s, part of the Light Bomber (LB) series exploring efficient twin-engine bombing platforms.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × piston, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 13.61 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- US Army Air Corps experimental light bomber biplane of the late 1920s
- Twin Liberty or Packard V-12 engines in nacelles between the wings
- High-wing biplane with open cockpits and biplane tail
A large biplane with twin engines in prominent nacelles between the wing pairs, open cockpits, and the long-span straight wings typical of 1920s bombing aircraft.
Specifications
- The Martin XLB-4 has a length of 13.61 m (45 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 23.16 m (76 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 111 km/h (69 mph).
- Typical crew: 3–4.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
The Glenn L. Martin Company was a prolific manufacturer of military aircraft in the inter-war period, and the XLB-4 was one of several competing designs evaluated by the Army Air Corps. It did not enter production, with the Army pursuing other bomber configurations.
Variants
A single XLB-4 prototype was built for evaluation.
Where you'll see it
Did not enter operational service.
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