Flying Fortress on Steroids: The Intriguing Tale of Boeing XB-38

Hatched in the throes of World War II, the Boeing XB-38 was a daring and innovative attempt to supercharge the formidable B-17 Flying Fortress. Conceived as an experimental variant, the XB-38 offered a unique twist, swapping out the B-17’s traditional Wright R-1820 radial engines for liquid-cooled Allison V-1710 V-12 engines. This remarkable endeavor wasn’t born out of a capricious desire to innovate but emerged from a pressing necessity.