- Jenkins, Dennis R. Magnesium Overcast: The Story of the
Convair B-36. North Branch, MN: Specialty Press, [2001]
2002. ISBN 1-58007-042-6.
- As alluded to by its nickname, the B-36, which first
flew in 1946, was one big airplane. Its 70 metre wingspan
is five metres more than the present-day 747-400 (64.4 m), although
the fuselage, at 49 metres, is shorter than the 70 metre 747. Later
versions, starting in 1950, were powered by ten engines:
six piston engines (with 28 cylinders each) driving
propellers, and four J47 jet engines, modified to run on the same
high-octane aviation gasoline as the piston engines. It could carry a
bomb load of 39,000 kg—no subsequent U.S. bomber came close to this
figure, which is the weight of an entire F-15E with maximum fuel and
weapons load. Depending on winds and mission profile, a B-36 could
stay aloft for more than 48 hours without refueling (for which it was
not equipped), and 30 hour missions were routinely flown.
August 2003 