XB-48 45-59585 - a Harvard at right gives scale to the big six-jet bomber

Martin XB-48 45-59585 immediately after takeoff with main gear retracted and outriggers about to retract forwards into the widened outer parts of the engine nacelles.

The prototype XB-48’s first landing, at 6.32am on June 22, 1947 at Pax River.

This flight test group comprises the test engineer, left; E. R. “Dutch” Gelvin, pilot; and O. E. Tibbs, Director of Flight at right.

The prototype XB-48 photographed a month before its first flight. This view clearly shows the bicycle type landing gear and the engine installation.

Two of the six Allison J35s with their lids off.

45-59585 photographed in November 1947.

XB-48 45-59585 after the name had been painted on its nose in about July 1947.

The prototype XB-48, 45-59585.

In 1949 Martin outlined a proposal to re-engine the XB-48 with four Allison XT 40 turboprops.