B-36 competitior

[Steven P. McNicoll[_2_]]

From "Post-World War II Bombers" by Marcelle Size Knaack, page 6:

B-36 Peacemaker
Contractor Selection 3 October 1941

"After a review of preliminary data from Boeing, Consolidated, and
Douglas, the Materiel Division of the Air Corps suggested prompt action on
the Consolidated study, which covered several long-range bomber designs,
both 4- and 6-engine pusher and pusher-tractor types. This endorsement of
Consolidated was in no way a rejection of either Boeing or Douglas
services.* Yet, it proved to be a turning point in the intercontinental
bomber program.

* Douglas Aircraft stated in late 1941 that it did not desire to
undertake an 'out-and-out 10,000-mile airplane project.' It proposed
instead the development of Model 423, a 6,000-mile bomber, which was
rejected. As for Boeing, the AAF believed as late as April 1942 that the
company was 'overly conservative' and had not yet 'really tackled the
[long-range] airplane design with the necessary degree of enthusiasm.' Two
Boeing bomber designs (Models 384 and 385) submitted in September were never
developed."

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