Bugeye Aircraft | XB-42 Mixmaster, C-47 Globemaster, P-82 Twin Mustang, C-124 Globemaster II
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 Published On Mar 5, 2023

The last bugeye North American Aircraft, including the XB-42 Mixmaster, C-47 Globemaster, P-82 Twin Mustang, C-124 Globemaster II.
The Bugeye aircraft is a term used to refer to several aircraft designs that share a similar characteristic: a protruding bubble canopy at the front of the aircraft. This unique design feature provides an excellent field of view for pilots and can make aircraft easier to handle during takeoff and landing. Some notable Bugeye aircraft include the XB-47 MixMaster, C-47 Globemaster, P-82 Twin Mustang, and C-124 Globemaster II.

XB-42 MixMaster:
The XB-42 was a jet-powered bomber developed by the US Air Force in the early 1950s. It was designed as a high-speed, high-altitude strategic bomber capable of carrying nuclear weapons. The Bugeye feature of the XB-47 was the aircraft's forward-swept wing design. This unique wing design allowed the aircraft to achieve a higher degree of maneuverability and stability, making it easier to fly at high speeds and altitudes.
The XB-47 was the first aircraft to use this forward-swept wing design, which was later adopted by other aircraft manufacturers. The XB-47 had a top speed of 610 mph and could fly at an altitude of 40,000 feet. It was equipped with six jet engines and could carry up to 25,000 pounds of bombs.

C-47 Globemaster:
The C-47 Globemaster was a military transport aircraft developed by the Douglas Aircraft Company during World War II. It was used extensively by the US military during the war to transport troops, supplies, and equipment. The Bugeye feature of the C-47 was the aircraft's glazed nose section, which provided a clear view of the ground during takeoff and landing.
The C-47 had a range of over 1,600 miles and could carry up to 28 fully equipped soldiers or 6,000 pounds of cargo. It was also equipped with a machine gun for defensive purposes. After World War II, the C-47 was used by many civilian operators as a cargo and passenger aircraft.

P-82 Twin Mustang:
The P-82 Twin Mustang was a long-range fighter aircraft developed by the North American Aviation Company during the late 1940s. The Bugeye feature of the P-82 was the aircraft's twin fuselage design, which provided two separate cockpits for the pilot and co-pilot. The design also provided an excellent field of view for both pilots.
The P-82 was equipped with six .50 caliber machine guns and could carry up to 2,000 pounds of bombs or rockets. It had a top speed of over 450 mph and a range of over 1,500 miles. The P-82 was used primarily for long-range escort and reconnaissance missions during the Korean War.

C-124 Globemaster II:
The C-124 Globemaster II was a military transport aircraft developed by the Douglas Aircraft Company during the 1940s. It was used extensively by the US Air Force during the 1950s and 1960s to transport troops, equipment, and supplies. The Bugeye feature of the C-124 was the aircraft's bubble cockpit, which provided an unobstructed view of the surrounding area.
The C-124 had a range of over 3,000 miles and could carry up to 200 fully equipped troops or 70,000 pounds of cargo. It was also equipped with a ramp at the rear of the aircraft for loading and unloading cargo. The C-124 was used in numerous military operations, including the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and Operation Desert Storm.

Specifications (XB-42)
Data from Francillon 1979

General characteristics

Crew: three (pilot, co-pilot, bombardier)
Length: 53 ft 8 in (16.36 m)
Wingspan: 70 ft 6 in (21.49 m)
Height: 18 ft 10 in (5.74 m)
Wing area: 555 sq ft (51.6 m2)
Empty weight: 20,888 lb (9,475 kg)
Max takeoff weight: 35,702 lb (16,194 kg)
Powerplant: 2 × Allison V-1710-125 liquid-cooled V12 engines, 1,800 hp (1,300 kW) each
Performance

Maximum speed: 410 mph (660 km/h, 360 kn) at 23,440 feet (7,140 m)
Range: 1,800 mi (2,900 km, 1,600 nmi)
Ferry range: 5,400 mi (8,700 km, 4,700 nmi)
Service ceiling: 29,400 ft (9,000 m)
Power/mass: 0.16 hp/lb
Armament
Guns: 6 × .50 in (12.7 mm) machine guns, two in twin rear-firing turrets and two fixed forward-firing[9]
Bombs: 8,000 pounds (3,600 kg) in internal bay

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