UNITED STATES MILITARY AIRCRAFT by Jos Heyman

Air Force

R = Reconnaissance (1930-1955) The R series was introduced on 11 June 1948 and continued the F series. For R = Rotorcraft, refer H Last update: 1 July 2016

R-1 Fairchild Specifications: span: 50', 15.24 m length: 33', 10.06 m engines: 1 Pratt & Whitney R-1340-7 max. speed: 142 mph, 228 km/h

(Source: Ron Dupas, via 1000aircraftphotos.com photo #4536)

In 1930 a single XC-8 with serial 29-325, was converted as the XF-1 photo reconnaissance aircraft. It had a span of 50'2", 15.29 m, and a R-1340-1 engine. This was followed by eight YF-1s, to which the specifications apply, with serials 30-388/395, which were redesignated as C-8 in 1931. Similarly six F-1As, with a R-1340-9 engine and serials 31-463/468, were redesignated as C-8A in 1931. Refer also to C-8

R-2 Beechcraft 18S Expeditor Specifications: span: 47'8", 14.53 m length: 34'3", 10.44 m engines: 2 Pratt & Whitney R-985-19 max. speed: 225 mph, 362 km/h

(Source: USAF)

A photo survey version of the C-45 transport aircraft, 14 F-2s were ordered in 1939 with serials 39-142/155. They were subsequently cancelled and ordered again with serials 40-682/695. In 1942 13 UC-45As and UC-45Bs were fitted with four cameras and were redesignated as F-2A. They had R-985-AN-1 engines and on 11 June 1948 those remaining in service were redesignated as RC-45A. Serials included 43-35637, 43-35759, 43-35788 and 43-35793. A number of UC-45Fs were fitted with trimetrogen cameras and redesignated as F-2B. These aircraft were similar to the F-2A but had a length of 34'8", 10.57 m. The serials were 43-35530, 43-35721, 43-35890, 43-35909, 43-35912, 43-35914, 43-35923, 43-35929, 43-35937, 43-35938, 44-47069, 44-47125, 44-47136, 44-47317, 44-47318, 44-47363, 44-47393, 44-47435, 44-47449, 44-47457, 44-47465, 44-47473, 44-47481, 44-47489, 44-47497, 44-47513, 44-47529, 44-47545, 44-47561, 44-47577, 44-47593, 44-47603, 44-47609, 44-47661, 44-47706, 44-47715, 44-47729, 44-47742, 44-47747, 44-86902, 44-86914, 44-86920, 44-86926, 44-86938, 44-86950, 44-86962, 44-86974, 44-86986, 44-86998, 44-87022, 44-87034, 44-87091, 44-87225, 44-87226, 44-87256, 44-87257, 44-87341. Those remaning in service on 11 June 1948 were also redesignated as RC-45A. Refer also to AT-7, AT-11, C-45, CQ-3, JRB, SNB

R-3 Douglas Havoc Specifications: span: 61'4", 18.69 m length: 47'7", 14.50 m engines: 2 Wright R-2600-7 max. speed: 370 mph, 595 km/h

(Source: Douglas Havoc.pdf)

A single A-20, with serial 39-741, was experimentally fitted with cameras and redesignated as XF-3. It was later further redesignated as F-3. Another two A-20s with serials 39-745 and 39-748 were similarly converted as YF-3 and became eventually also F-3 although the designation ZYF-3 has also been reported. After this a number of A-20Js and A-20Ks, which had a length of 48', 14.63 m and R-2600-23 engines, were converted as F-3A. Serials includes 43-9876, 43-9912, 43-21457, 43-21458, 43-21459, 43-21460, 43-21461, 43-21581, 43-21737, 43-21749, 43-22091, 43-22092, 43-22093, 44-071, 44-072, 44-194/198, 44-342/347, 44-365/369, 44-707/711, 44-733, 44-734 and 44-735. Refer also to A-20, F-70, O-53, BD

R-4 Lockheed Lightning Specifications: span: 52', 15,85 m length: 37'10", 11.53 m engines: 2 Allison V-1710-27/29 max. speed: 390 mph, 628 km/h

(Source: Lockheed P-38,pdf)

Based on the P-38E, 99 F-4s were built with serials 41-2098/2099, 41-2121/2157, 41-2158/2171, 41-2173/2218 and 41-2220. The cameras were fitted in the nose section. Aircraft 41-2157 was later redesignated as F-5A. In 1943 those remaining in service were redesignated as RF-4 as well as ZRF-4. The P-38F, with V-1710-49/53 engines, formed the basis of the F-4A and 20 were built with serials 41-2362/2381. In 1943 the remaining aircraft were redesignated as RF-4A. Refer also to F-38, R-5, FO

R-5 Lockheed Lightning Specifications: span: 52', 15.85 m length: 37'10", 11.53 m engines: 2 Allison V-1710-51/55 max. speed: 390 mph, 628 km/h

(Source: Lockheed P-38,pdf)

Based on the P-38G, 181 F-5As were built with serials 41-2157, 42-12667/12686, 42-12767/12786, 42-12967/12986, 42-13067/13126 and 42-13267/13326. The F-5B version was based on the P-38J and 200 were built with serials 42-67312/67401 and 42-68192/68301. Four of these aircraft went to the US Navy as FO-1. A large number of P-38Hs, with V-1710-89/91 engines, were converted as F-5C. Serials included 42-13564, 42-66761, 42-67105, 42-67106/67124, 42-67128/67132, 42-67134, 42-67234, 42-67236, 42-67237, 42-67238, 42-67242, 42-67243, 42-67244, 42-67245, 42-67246, 42-67247, 42-67249, 42-67250, 42-67253, 42-67254, 42-67261, 42-67263, 42-67273, 42-67279, 42-67529, 42-67530, 42-67531, 42-67532, 42-67534, 42-67543, 42-67544, 42-67550, 42-67552, 42-67566, 42-67567, 42-67569, 42-67572 and 42-62753. A single F-5A, with serial 42-12975 and V-1710-49/53 engines, was fitted with a glazed nose for an observer in a prone position. It was redesignated as XF-5D. The F-5E designation was assigned to converted P-38Js (with V-1710-89/91 engines) and converted P-38Ls (with V-1710-111/113 engines and a single F-5B. Serials included 42-67877, 42-68220, 42-104081, 43-28272, 43-28281, 43-28286, 43-28288/28292, 43-28300, 43-28302, 43-28304, 43-28307, 43-28308, 43-28311, 43-28312, 43-28313, 43-28316, 43-28317, 43-28320, 43-28321, 43-28324, 43-38325, 43-28327/28332, 43-28334, 43-28576/28585, 43-28593, 43-28594, 43-28599, 43-28600, 43-28608/28625, 43-28957, 43-28964, 43-28965, 43-28968, 43-28973, 43-28974, 43-28977, 43-28980, 43-28998, 43-29002, 43-29009, 43-29016, 43-29018, 43-29020, 43-29022, 43-29023, 43-29024, 44-23211, 44-23212, 44-23213, 44-23215, 44-23218, 44-23220, 44-23229, 44-23232, 44-23235, 44-23240, 44-23241, 44-23242, 44-23245, 44-23249, 44-23253, 44-23268, 44-23270, 44-23274, 44-23283, 44-23284, 44-23285, 44-23286, 44-23287, 44-23312, 44-23313, 44-23602, 44-23603, 44-23604, 44-23606, 44-23696, 44-23699, 44-23701, 44-23705, 44-23710, 44-23716, 44-23717, 44-23723, 44-23725, 44-23726, 44-23731, 44-23732, 44-23745, 44-23750, 44-23751, 44-23416, 44-23459, 44-23602, 44-23603, 44-23696, 44-23699, 44-23717, 44-23725, 44-23726, 44-23745, 44-23923, 44-24080, 44-24082, 44-24087, 44-24088, 44-24093, 44-24095/24110, 44-24225/44-24236, 44-24258/24274, 44-24276/24303, 44-24465, 44-24467/24471, 44-24474/24479, 44-24481/24488, 44-24491, 44-24493/24508, 44-24530, 44-24553/24581, 44-24583, 44-24585, 44-24586, 44-24587, 44-24588, 44-24648, 44-24652, 44-24655, 44-24667, 44-24672, 44-24673, 44-24674, 44-24678, 44-24683, 44-24684, 44-24685, 44-24686, 44-24687, 44-24688, 44-24689, 44-24690, 44-24691, 44-24692, 44-24694, 44-24695, 44-24698/24712, 44-24714/24731, 44-24748, 44-24891/24922, 44-24924/24931, 44-24933, 44-24934, 44-24935, 44-24936, 44-24937, 44-24961, 44-24962, 44-24963, 44-24965, 44-24966, 44-24967, 44-24968, 44-24969, 44-24970, 44-24971, 44-24972, 44-24974/24991, 44-24993/44-24999 and 44-25190. In addition the F-5F designation was used for other converted P-38Js and the F-5G designation for other converted P-38Ls. The F-5F included serials 44-23983, 44-23985, 44-24732/24743, 44-24789, 44-24932, 44-24938/24952, 44-24954, 44-24955, 44-24956, 44-24957, 44-24958, 44-24960, 44-24973, 44-24992, 44-25103, 44-25107, 44-25179, 44-25193, 44-25546, 44-26044, 44-26045, 44-26046, 44-26059, 44-26061 and 44-26062. The serials of the F-5Gs included 43-50281, 44-25067, 44-25768, 44-25776, 44-25779, 44-25781, 44-25783, 44-25788, 44-25790, 44-25811, 44-25812, 44-25813, 44-25814, 44-25816, 44-25822, 44-25823, 44-25825, 44-25826, 44-25828, 44-25900, 44-25904, 44-25908, 44-25909, 44-25911, 44-25913, 44-25915, 44-25920, 44-25927, 44-25928, 44-25929, 44-25932, 44-

25933, 44-25939, 44-25947, 44-25948, 44-25953, 44-25955, 44-25958, 44-25970, 44-25972, 44-25994, 44-26063, 44-26120/26130, 44-26137/26145, 44-26163, 44-26227/26237, 44-26244, 44-26247/26256, 44-26267/26276, 44-26393, 44-26400, 44-26402, 44-26406, 44-26416/26458, 44-26460, 44-26461, 44-26465, 44-26466, 44-26565, 44-26588, 44-26592, 44-26609, 44-26612, 44-26614, 44-26615, 44-26616, 44-26622/26636, 44-26642/26649, 44-26656, 44-26666, 44-26670, 44-26679, 44-26683, 44-26684, 44-26685, 44-26688, 44-26689, 44-26690, 44-26691, 44-26693, 44-26699, 44-26725, 44-26726, 44-26727, 44-26728, 44-26729, 44-26731, 44-26732, 44-26733, 44-26734, 44-26735, 44-26736, 44-26737, 44-26738, 44-26740, 44-26741, 44-26742, 44-26743, 44-26744, 44-26750, 44-26751, 44-26756, 44-26759, 44-26760, 44-26761, 44-26775/26783, 44-26827, 44-26850, 44-26855, 44-26871, 44-26873, 44-26874, 44-26877, 44-26884, 44-26916/26924, 44-26940, 44-26952/26965, 44-26968, 44-26969, 44-26971, 44-26972, 44-26981, 44-26990, 44-26992, 44-26993, 44-26994, 44-26995, 44-26996, 44-26998, 44-27001, 44-27002, 44-27003, 44-27004, 44-27005, 44-27006, 44-27009, 44-27011, 44-27012, 44-27013, 44-27021/27033, 44-27083/27088, 44-27092, 44-27183, 44-27200, 44-27207, 44-27209, 44-27210, 44-27211, 44-27212, 44-27213, 44-27215, 44-27218, 44-27230, 44-27231, 44-27232, 44-27235, 44-27053, 44-53008, 44-53009, 44-53012, 44-53013, 44-53015, 44-53024, 44-53025; 44-53026, 44-53027, 44-53028, 44-53036, 44-53037, 44-53038, 44-53044, 44-53045, 44-53078, 44-53087, 44-53105, 44-53159, 44-53170, 44-53171, 44-53173, 44-53176, 44-53178, 44-53179, 44-53181, 44-53182, 44-53183, 44-53185, 44-53186, 44-53187, 44-53188, 44-53189/53205, 44-53212, 44-53220, 44-53229, 44-53232, 44-53239, 44-53241, 44-53242, 44-53244, 44-53245, 44-53246, 44-53247, 44-53248, 44-53249, 44-53251/53258, 44-53260, 44-53262, 44-53282 and 44-53283. Refer also to F-38, R-4, FO

R-6 North American Mustang Specifications: span: 37', 11.28 m length: 32'3", 9.83 m engines: 1 Allison V-1710-39 max. speed: 380 mph, 611 km/h

(Source: Robert Bourlier, via 1000aircraftphotos.com photo #8203)

The F-6A designation was assigned to 57 P-51s which were converted for photo reconnaissance duties whilst the F-6B designation was used for 35 converted P-51As. The latter had Packard V-1650-3 engines. Serials of the F-6B included 42-106593, 42-106728, 42-106740, 42-106772, 43-6158, 43-6161, 43-6164, 43-6165, 43-6167, 43-6169, 43-6505, 43-6524, 43-6642, 43-6702, 43-6713, 43-6744, 43-6797, 43-6954, 43-6979, 43-7001, 43-7045, 43-7053, 43-12160, 43-12164, 43-12207, 43-12302, 43-12329, 43-12355, 43-12391, 43-12397, 43-12398, 43-12403, 43-12409, 43-12413, 43-12426, 43-12467 and 43-12474. 71 converted P-51Bs and 20 converted P-51Cs were designated as F-6C. All had V-1650-7 engines and serials included 42-102991, 42-103001, 42-103013, 42-103018, 42-103131, 42-103134, 42-103196, 42-103200, 42-103202, 42-103203, 42-103206, 42-103207, 42-103211, 42-103216, 42-103219, 42-103221, 42-103222, 42-103223, 42-103226, 42-103228, 42-103229, 42-103230, 42-103281, 42-103304, 42-103349, 42-103357, 42-103358, 42-103360, 42-103364, 42-103370, 42-103376, 42-103378, 42-103381, 42-103382, 42-103383, 42-103386, 42-103396, 42-103397, 42-103403, 42-103405, 42-103409, 42-103411, 42-103419, 42-103427, 42-103429, 42-103433, 42-103435, 42-103448, 42-103449, 42-103451, 42-103452, 42-103460, 42-103482, 42-103486, 42-103487, 42-103488, 42-103491, 42-103493, 42-103494, 42-103495, 42-103496, 42-103576, 42-103616, 42-103619, 42-103620, 43-12138, 43-12191, 43-24976, 43-24990, 43-25145/25148, 43- 25154, 43-25159, 43-25162, 43-25164, 43-25167, 43-25168, 43-25169, 43-25175, 43-25173, 44-10856, 44-10857, 44-10876, 44-10878, 44-10880, 44-10881, 44-10884, 44-10885, 44-10886, 44-10887, 44-10889, 44-10893, 44-10894, 44-10896, 44-10897, 44-10898, 44-10906 and 44-10911. Eventually those remaining in service were redesignated as RF-6C. The designation F-6D was used for converted P-51Ds which had serials 44-13020/13039, 44-13131/13140, 44-13181, 44-13682, 44-13758, 44-13782, 44-13810, 44-13816, 44-13833, 44-13845, 44-14030, 44-14036, 44-14044, 44-14047, 44-14048, 44-14058, 44-14059, 44-14073, 44-14233, 44-14267, 44-14272, 44-14306, 44-14318, 44-14335, 44-14369, 44-14391, 44-14408, 44-14420, 44-14425, 44-14455, 44-14471, 44-14473, 44-14494, 44-14508, 44-14512, 44-14562, 44-14582, 44-14602, 44-14605, 44-14619, 44-14621, 44-14633, 44-14643, 44-14659, 44-14663, 44-14677, 44-14679, 44-14683, 44-14697, 44-14703, 44-14715, 44-14717, 44-14737, 44-14739, 44-14741, 44-14743, 44-14759, 44-14832, 44-14841, 44-14845, 44-14847, 44-14855, 44-14871, 44-14920, 44-14599, 44-15453, 44-15465, 44-15501, 44-15507, 44-15554, 44-15664, 44-21046/21049, 44-63560, 44-63619, 44-63641, 44-63242, 44-63692, 44-72049, 44-72061, 44-72106, 44-72148, 44-72154/72158, 44-72174, 44-72196, 44-72338, 44-72505, 44-72725, 44-72846, 44-72897, 44-72903, 44-72938, 44-73036, 44-84509/84540, 44-84566, 44-84773/84788, 44-84835/84855, 45-11655/11689. Those remaining in service in 1946 were redesignated as FP-51D. A TF-6D version, with serials 44-84784, 44-84785, 45-11656 and 45-11667, has also been reported. Whilst the designations F-6E to F-6J were not assigned, F-6K was used for 163 P-51Ks which had been converted. The serials were 44-11554, 44-11897/11952, 44-11993/12008, 44-12216/12237, 44-12459/12471, 44-12523/12534, 44-12810/12852, 44-15158 and 44-15256. In 1946 those remaining in service were redesignated as FP-51K. Refer also to A-36, F-51, F-78

R-7 Consolidated Liberator Specifications: span: 110', 33.53 m length: 66'4", 20.22 m engines: 4 Pratt & Whitney R-1830-43 max. speed: 303 mph, 488 km/h

(Source: USAAF?)

The XF-7 designation was assigned to a single B-24D with serial 41-11653, which was converted with seven cameras. This was followed by four B-24Ds with serials 42-40433, 42-40476, 42-40488 and 42-40494 which were converted as F-7. The F-7A designation was used for a number of B-24Js which had been fitted with six cameras. They had R-1830-65 engines and a length of 67'2", 20.47 m and the serials were 42-64047/64056, 42-64102/64106, 42-64156, 42-64158, 42-64165, 42-64167/64181, 42-64184/64186, 42-64188/64194, 42-64197, 42-64199/64201, 42-64203, 42-64235/64238, 42-64240/64242, 42-64245, 42-64247, 42-64248, 42-64251, 42-64253, 42-64254, 42-64323, 42-64331, 42-64337, 42-64369, 42-64371, 42-73020, 42-73028, 42-73031/73035, 42-73038/73045, 42-73047/73050, 42-73052, 42-73053, 42-73131, 42-73132, 42-73152 and 42-73157. The F-7B designation was assigned to a number of B-24Js, 5 B-24Ls and 69 B-24Ms which were converted with six cameras in the bomb bay. The serials were 42-64234, 42-64239, 42-64243, 42-64246, 42-64249, 42-64250, 42-64255, 42-64256, 42-64260, 42-64262, 44-40147, 44-40160, 44-40197/40199, 44-40209, 44-40356, 44-40376, 44-40412, 44-40413, 44-40415/40417, 44-40419, 44-40422, 44-40423, 44-40602, 44-40612, 44-40616, 44-40622, 44-40625/40627, 44-40629, 44-40656, 44-40658, 44-40659, 44-40663, 44-40669, 44-40847, 44-40883, 44-40885, 44-40895, 44-40961, 44-40963, 44-40967, 44-41013, 44-41040, 44-41477, 44-41678/41681, 44-41943, 44-41944, 44-41968, 44-42026, 44-42028, 44-42031, 44-42059, 44-42097, 44-42098, 44-42135, 44-42136, 44-42141, 44-42239, 44-42265, 44-42272, 44-42302, 44-42313, 42-42314, 44-42328, 44-42350, 44-42373, 44-42376, 44-42387, 44-42403, 44-42409, 44-42426, 44-42452, 44-42478/42480, 44-42580, 44-42604, 44-42605, 44-42621, 44-42653, 44-42686, 44-42687, 44-42889, 44-42690, 44-42691, 44-42693, 44-42695/42722, 44-51518 and 44-51655. Refer also to AT-22, B-24, B-41, BQ-8, C-87, C-109, RY, PBY

R-8 De Havilland Canada Mosquito Specifications: span: 54'2", 16.51 m length: 40'10", 12.45 m engines: 2 Packard Merlin 31 max. speed: 365 mph, 587 km/h

(Source: USAAF?)

The Mosquito, designed by de Havilland in Britain flew for the first time on 25 November 1940. It was built in licence in Canada as the Mosquito BVII and BXX. The USAAF ordered 40 for photo reconnaissance duties as F-8 and with serials 43-34924/34963. They had originally RAF serials and most were supplied to the South African Air Force. Some reference sources state that 200 were ordered, suggesting that 160 aircraft were cancelled. These most likely carried serials 43-34964/35123. In addition the USAAF used a number of Mosquitos in the UK which retained their RAF serials. A single FB.XVIII was taken over by the US Navy on 30 April 1945. It was previously PZ467 and was given serial 91106. It was used in tests with cannon armament.

R-9 Boeing Flying Fortress Specifications: span: 103'9", 31.62 m length: 74'9", 22.78 m engines: 4 Wright R-1820-97 max. speed: 313 mph, 504 km/h

(Source: USAAF?)

In 1943 a number of B-17Fs were converted with a number of cameras and were redesignated as F-9. The serials were 41-24440, 42-3324, 42-5353, 42-5753, 42-29676, 42-29719, 42-29753, 42-29783, 42-29801, 42-29805, 42-30083, 42-30220, 42-30232, 42-30252, 42-30253, 42-30256, 42-30268 and 42-30299. Those remaining in service in 1945 were redesignated as FB-17F. In 1943 25 B-17Fs were converted as F-9A reconnaissance aircraft with serials 42-2984, 42-6129, 42-6134, 42-6135, 42-6138, 42-6140, 42-6159, 42-6164, 42-6183/6187, 42-6200, 42-6201, 42-29873, 42-29899, 42-29902, 42-29904, 42-29911, 42-29913, 42-29917, 42-29922, 42-30469 and 42-30486. In 1943 most of these were fitted with different cameras and were redesignated as F-9B although some reference sources list more aircraft. The serials were 42-6129, 42-6134, 42-6135, 42-6138, 42-6140, 42-6159, 42-6164, 42-6183/6187, 42-6200, 42-6201, 42-29873, 42-29899, 42-29902, 42-29904, 42-29911, 42-29913, 42-29917, 42-29922, 42-30469, 42-30486 and 42-30253. Those remaining in service in 1945 were further redesignated as FB-17F. In 1944 12 B-17Gs with serials 43-37689, 43-37711, 43-37914, 43-38155, 43-38162, 43-38168, 43-38649, 43-38651, 43-38653, 43-39271, 44-83626 and 44-83720 were converted as F-9C. In 1945 those remaining in service were redesignated as FB-17G. Refer also to B-17, B-38, B-40, BQ-7, C-108, CQ-4, Q-7, PB

R-10 North American Mitchell Specifications: span: 67'7", 20.60 m length: 52', 15.85 m engines: 2 Wright R-2600-29 max. speed: 290 mph, 467 km/h

(Source: USAAF?)

A number of B-25Ds were converted with cameras as F-10. Those remaining in service on 11 June 1948 were redesignated as RB-25D. Serials included 41-29875/29897, 41-29924, 41-29926, 41-29927, 41-29929/29932, 41-29970, 41-29984, 41-29987/29991, 41-30132, 41-30181, 41-30195, 41-30426, 41-30427, 41-30554, 41-30580, 41-30609, 41-30625, 43-3371, 43-3372, 433-3373, 43-3374, 43-3416, 43-3419, 43-3433, 43-3434, 43-3437/3440, 43-3444 and 43-3446. Refer also to AT-24, B-25, PBJ

R-11 Hughes D2 Specifications: span: 101'4", 30.89 m length: 65'5", 19.64 m engines: 2 Pratt & Whitney R-4360-61 max. speed: 450 mph, 725 km/h

(Source: USAAF?)

Based on project MX-575, the XF-11 was a purpose designed long range reconnaissance aircraft of which one was built with serial 44-70155. The aircraft crashed on the first flight on 7 July 1946. A service test version designated as YF-11 was cancelled as was the F-11 version of which 58 had been ordered with serials 44-70157/70254. The XF-11A version had R-4360-37 engines and one was ordered with serial 44-70156. It flew for the first time on 5 April 1947 and was redesignated as XR-11A on 11 June 1948. The YF-11A version was cancelled.

R-12 Republic Rainbow Specifications: span: 129'2", 39.37 m length: 93'11", 28.63 m engines: 4 Pratt & Whitney R-4360-1 max. speed: 425 mph, 684 km/h

(Source: USAF)

Intended to be used in the assault on Japan, the Rainbow was a heavy reconnaissance aircraft which incorporated a dark room for the development of films on board. Two prototypes were ordered in January 1944 as XF-12A and with serials 44-91002/91003 and the first flight took place on 4 February 1946. On 11 June 1948 the aircraft were redesignated as XR-12A. An order for six F-12As was placed in 1947 but was subsequently cancelled. The development of a 46 passenger airliner was proposed and 26 aircraft had been ordered by American Airlines and Pan American but these orders were cancelled in February 1947.

R-13 Boeing Superfortress Specifications: span: 141'3", 43.05 m length: 99', 30.18 m engines: 4 Wright R-3350-23 max. speed: 358 mph, 576 km/h

(Source: Gordon Hubbard, via 1000aircraftphotos.com photo #5404)

A number of B-29s were converted with cameras and long range fuel tanks as F-13. Serials included 42-6412, 42-24566, 42-24583, 42-24585, 42-24586, 42-24587, 42-24588, 42-24621, 42-24803, 42-24805, 42-24810, 42-24811, 42-24813, 42-24816, 42-24817, 42-24819, 42-24821, 42-24828, 42-24833, 42-24870, 42-24871, 42-24877, 42-24880, 42-24881 and 42-24889. In 1945 those remaining in service were redesignated as FB-29. In a similar way B-29As were converted as F-13A. These had serials 42-24566, 42-24567, 42-24583, 42-24585, 42-24586, 42-24588, 42-24621, 42-24803, 42-24805, 42-24810, 42-24811, 42- 24813, 42-24816, 42-24817, 42-24819, 42-24821, 42-24829, 42-24833, 42-24860, 42-24869, 42-24871, 42-24877, 42-93849, 42-93850, 42-93851, 42-93852, 42-93853, 42-93854, 42-93855, 42-93856, 42-93863, 42-93864, 42-93865, 42-93866, 42-93867, 42-93868, 42-93869, 42-93870, 42-93871, 42-93872, 42-93874, 42-93879, 42-93880, 42-93900, 42-93903, 42-93912, 42-93914, 42-93919, 42-93926, 42-93933, 42-93965, 42-93967, 42-93968, 42-93987, 42-93992, 42-93993, 42-94000, 42-94022, 42-94054, 42-94074, 42-94080, 42-94081, 42-94113, 42-94114, 44-61528, 44-61531 , 44-61533, 44-61577, 44-61578, 44-61583, 44-61659, 44-61727, 44-61734, 44-61810, 44-61813, 44-61814, 44-61815, 44-61817, 44-61818, 44-61819, 44-61822, 44-61832, 44-61843, 44-61847, 44-61854, 44-61855, 44-61857, 44-61860, 44-61862, 44-61866, 44-61924, 44-61929, 44-61930, 44-61931, 44-61933, 44-61934, 44-61939, 44-61945, 44-61946, 44-61947, 44-61948, 44-61951, 44-61960, 44-61961, 44-61981, 44-61986, 44-61989, 44-61991, 44-61999, 44-62000, 44-62022, 44-62089, 44-62201, 44-62216, 44-62217, 44-62232, 44-62282, 44-62283, 44-62284, 44-62285, 44-62286, 44-62287, 44-62288, 44-62289, 44-62290, 44-62296, 45-21742, 45-21761, 45-21762, 45-21763, 45-21766 , 45-21768, 45-21773, 45-21775, 45-21777, 45-21790, 45-21812, 45-21846, 45-21847, 45-21848, 45-21856 and 45-21859. Those remaining in service in 1945 were redesignated as FB-29A. Refer also to B-29, B-39, B-44, P2B

R-14 Lockheed Shooting Star Specifications: span: 39', 11.89 m length: 34'6", 10.52 m engines: 1 General Electric J33-GE-11 max. speed: 530 mph, 853 km/h

(Source: Gordon Hubbard, via 1000aircraftphotos.com photo #3778)

A single YP-80A was fitted with cameras and was redesignated as XF-14. It had serial 44-83024 and was later converted as XFP-80. The F-14A designation was initially used for what became the FP-80A. This version had a J33-GE-11 engine. Refer also to F-80, Q-8, T-33

R-15 Northrop Reporter Specifications: span: 66', 20.12 m length: 50'5", 15.37 m engines: 2 Pratt & Whitney R-2800-73 max. speed: 375 mph, 603 km/h

(Source: USAF)

Initially known as MX-758, the Reporter was a photo reconnaissance version of the P-61 Black Widow and a single XP-61E, with serial 42-39549, was converted as the XF-15 prototype, followed by a converted P-61C which had serial 43-8335 and became XF-15A. These aircraft had R-2800-65 engines and a length of 49'7", 15.11 m for the XF-15 and a length of 48'11", 14.9 1m for the XF-15A. The production version was the F-15A and the specifications apply to this version. 175 were ordered but only 36 were built with serials 45-59300/59335, aircraft with serials 45-59336/59474 being cancelled. The first flight was in June 1945 and on 11 June 1948 those aircraft remaining in service were redesignated as R-15A and, yet later, RF-61C. The designation EF-15C was used for aircraft 45-59300. Refer also to F-61, F2T

R-16 Boeing Specifications: span: length: engines: max. speed: Design studies for the XR-16 were approved in August 1948 with the project designation MX-1608. The project was cancelled in March 1949, at which point in time no design had been finalized. The findings of the study were subsequently transferred to the RB-52B development of which 27 examples were ordered in 1952. At the time of cancellation of the XR-16, the B-52 design had not yet progressed to the final all-jet configuration and any suggestion that the XR-16 resembled the RB-52B must be considered incorrect. Refer also to B-52