The FB series of U.S. Navy fighters began with the Boeing Model 15 prototype in 1923. The Army procured several examples of the promising design, which it designated the PW-9. The Navy closely followed the Army's testing of the aircraft and added an order for 14 to an Army contract in late 1924. The Navy designated their airplane the FB 1. The FB-2, FB-3, and FB-4 were simply FB-1s modified to test different components.

The major production model of the series was the FB-5, which differed considerably from earlier models. Visibility and control problems were corrected by altering the wing stagger and installing a balanced rudder, along with other changes. The FB-5 displayed here served aboard the U.S.S. Langley and Saratoga. It was assigned to Marine Fighter Squadron VF-6M for several months in 1930.

Display Status

This object is on display in Pre-1920 Aviation at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA.

Pre-1920 Aviation

Object Details

Date

1926

Country of Origin

United States of America

Type

CRAFT-Aircraft

Manufacturer

Boeing Aircraft Co.

Dimensions

Wingspan: 9.8 m (32 ft)
Length: 7.3 m (23 ft 10 in)
Height: 2.9 m (9 ft 5 in)
Weight, empty: 1,117 kg (2,458 lb)
Weight, gross: 1,477 kg (3,249 lb)
Top speed: 282 km/h (175 mph)
Engine: Packard 2A-1500 V-12, 520 hp
Armament: two .30 cal. M1919 Browning aircraft machine guns

Inventory Number

A19730268000

Credit Line

Gift of Robert Gallaher

Data Source

National Air and Space Museum

Restrictions & Rights

Open Access (CCO)
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.