Boeing
FB
The Boeing FB, a relatively obscure but technically influential member of Boeing’s military‑aircraft family, first entered development in the early 1960s as a response to the U.S. Air Force’s demand for a high‑speed, low‑altitude fighter‑bomber capable of delivering both conventional and nuclear payloads. Although the program never reached full production, the prototype flew its maiden sortie in 1965, demonstrating a blend of sleek aerodynamic shaping, a powerful turbo‑fan engine, and advanced digital flight‑control systems that were ahead of their time.
Key features of the FB included a variable‑geometry wing that could be swept up to 45 degrees for supersonic dash and retracted for improved maneuverability at lower speeds, a twin‑seat cockpit equipped with a heads‑up display, and an integrated avionics suite able to process radar, infrared, and electronic‑warfare data in real time. The airframe incorporated extensive use of composite materials, reducing weight and extending range, while its internal weapons bay allowed for a flexible loadout of air‑to‑air missiles, precision‑guided bombs, and nuclear ordnance.
Although only a handful of units were built, the Boeing FB’s innovations directly influenced later designs such as the F‑15E Strike Eagle and the modern F‑35 Lightning II. Its experimental technologies helped shape contemporary concepts of multi‑role combat aircraft, cementing the FB’s legacy as a pivotal stepping stone in aviation history.
Key features of the FB included a variable‑geometry wing that could be swept up to 45 degrees for supersonic dash and retracted for improved maneuverability at lower speeds, a twin‑seat cockpit equipped with a heads‑up display, and an integrated avionics suite able to process radar, infrared, and electronic‑warfare data in real time. The airframe incorporated extensive use of composite materials, reducing weight and extending range, while its internal weapons bay allowed for a flexible loadout of air‑to‑air missiles, precision‑guided bombs, and nuclear ordnance.
Although only a handful of units were built, the Boeing FB’s innovations directly influenced later designs such as the F‑15E Strike Eagle and the modern F‑35 Lightning II. Its experimental technologies helped shape contemporary concepts of multi‑role combat aircraft, cementing the FB’s legacy as a pivotal stepping stone in aviation history.
No images available
Classification
Production & History
- Units Produced
- 44
Design & Classification
- Primary Use
- Manufacturer
- Boeing
- Military Designation
- FB
- Engine
- V12
- Operator
-
United States Navy United States Marine Corps
- Wikidata ID
- Q19204641