Fokker XLB-2 Bomber (Model 7A unc)

At the end of 1925, Anthony Fokker presented his successful F.VII Trimotor to the US Air Corps. He also showed several variants of this basic model, including a bomber.

The response was that the nose of the aircraft had to be suitable for the bomb aimer and/or armament.

This meant switching to a twin-engine aircraft. There were also concerns about whether a monoplane was the right type for this purpose, as all bombers in service up to that point were still biplanes.

Based on this, Fokker set to work on a new proposal. This resulted in an aircraft with two Allison air-cooled Liberty engines, which were then under development.

On May 28, 1926, a contract was placed with the Atlantic Aircraft Corporation for a prototype at a cost of $48,000.

The aircraft was designated XLB-2. It was registered as AC 26-210.

Construction of the aircraft was difficult. First, Fokker had to demonstrate compliance with the Buy American Act.

Delivery of the bomb rack to be installed was slow. Finally, the Allison engine also proved to be a failure, and P&W Wasp engines were switched over.

As a result, the aircraft didn't make its maiden flight until August 5, 1927. Only after some modifications did the aircraft go to the Wright Field test center in Dayton, Ohio.

Meanwhile, Anthony Fokker announced that he expected an order for fifty aircraft. These would be built at the new factory in Glen Dale, West Virginia.

The aircraft was put through its paces at the bomber competition at the Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, but failed to pass the first round. However, it was decided to replace the Wasp engines with the new, more powerful P&W Hornets, which took place in May 1928.

The single aircraft remained primarily at Aberdeen and flew occasionally. A request to convert it into a freighter was rejected.

In April 1931, use was terminated after 580 flying hours.

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