Beech Model 28 Destroyer

1944


DIVE BOMBER	Virtual Aircraft Museum / USA / Beech

The Beech Model 28 merits brief mention as an unusual project for this manufacturer. Two examples of a twin-engined attack aircraft were ordered from Beech in 1943 under the designation XA-38 and the Model 28 was a large low-wing .monoplane, with a fuselage accommodating a crew of three, and with a tail unit incorporating twin fins and rudders. Power was provided by two Wright R-3350-43 radial engines, and in addition to defensive armament, the Destroyer carried a 75-mm cannon for its attack role. Only the two aircraft were built, being delivered for evaluation in 1945.

Specification

CREW	2
ENGINE	2 x 2300hp
WEIGHTS
Take-off weight	16480 kg	36332 lb
DIMENSIONS
Wingspan	20.45 m	67 ft 1 in
Length	15.76 m	52 ft 8 in
Height	5.33 m	18 ft 6 in
PERFORMANCE
Max. speed	636 km/h	395 mph
Ceiling	8840 m	29000 ft
Range	2575 km	1600 miles
ARMAMENT	1 x 75mm cannon, 6 x 12.7mm machine-guns, 907kg of bombs

Comments

Klaatu, e-mail, 11.06.2011 15:20

One other important reason why the Grizzly was not developed further: By 1944 single-seat fighters were being equipped to fire as many as eight rocket projectiles from under-wing launching racks. As a result, aircraft such as Hurricanes, Typhoons, P-47s and Corsairs could pack as much offensive ground-attack firepower as the highly specialized, massive and expensive XA-38.

Klaatu, e-mail, 11.06.2011 15:05

There was nothing basically wrong with the XA-38. However, by the time it was built, modified North American B-25 Mitchells were already adequately carrying out the role for which this airplane was designed. In addition, the XA-38 was fitted with the same type of engines used in the Boeing B-29 Superfortress which, at that time, had priority.

Frank, e-mail, 27.10.2010 17:01

Does anyone have the fuselage stations for this aircraft? I doing an electric RC model and have 3-views but no fuselage shape. Thanks

Paul Jones, e-mail, 23.10.2010 05:45

Scott----Yes, I have more information on this aircraft. Possibly, all you would want to see. I have a copy of the article which appeared in AIR CLASSICS in 1983. It is ten pages long and contains everything anyone would want to know about the Grizzly.

Frank Allen, e-mail, 22.02.2010 04:33

I think this A /C was ALL WOOD

Scott, e-mail, 11.02.2009 01:26

Hello!

We are currently working on Grizzly for Flight Simulator. Noticed Paul said he wroked for Beech. No chance you would have any info, beyond what has been found around the net on this aircraft is there?

Please email me!

Thanks

Paul Jones, e-mail, 06.06.2008 18:02

I was employed at Beech, then, Raytheon for 36 years in Engineering. I have an article from one of the old aircraft related magazines printed in 1943 or 1944. In the article it states that the "Grizzly", as it was referred to at Beech, did out perform the Mustang in speed trials.

lymangates@sbcglobal.net, 09.05.2008 02:51

I believe that this aircraft was flown against the P-51 and several other aircraft during testing and in speed test competition was superior. Can this be confirmed as it was developed too late in WW2 for future production.

Do you have any comments?

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