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|Ferry range||~ 8,000 miles||12,900 km
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|Service ceiling||
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|Rate of climb||1,920 ft/min||9.75 m/s
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== Prototypes ==
The first prototype XB-36 flew on [[August 8]], [[1946]]. Its speed and range failed to meet requirements, and there were large numbers of problems, to be expected for a groundbreaking design. Many of those problems were related to the early "placeholder" engines. A second prototype, the YB-36, flew on [[December 4]], [[1947]]; it featured a redesigned high-visibility 'bubble' canopy, adopted for production, and was much closer to the production aircraft. The YB-36 received engines that were much more powerful and efficient.
== Early production ==
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73 full production '''B-36B''' aircraft were delivered starting in November of 1948. The B-36B met or exceeded all the 1941 requirements but was still plagued by problems, especially with the defensive armament and engine reliability; parts supply problems left availability poor.
Even at this stage, many considered the B-36 effectively obsolete; as a piston-engined aircraft in an age of jet fighters, there were many doubts as to its effectiveness and survivability. However, the available jet bombers were still hugely limited in range, and the B-36 was the only truly intercontinental bomber available. Increasing concern about the Soviet threat kept the B-36 program alive and the aircraft in service. Some believe that the USAF may have deliberately understated the performance of the B-36 to help ensure their survival if war game.
== Jet assistance ==
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== Crew experience ==
The B-36 was certainly not a sprightly aircraft; it was one of the largest aircraft ever built when introduced, and, like the majority of large piston-engined planes, rather underpowered. ''Like sitting on your front porch and flying your house around.'' [Lt.Gen. J. Edmunson]. However, due to its low wing loading it was actually more maneuverable than many interceptors above 40,000 ft, where it usually operated.
Despite being so huge on the outside, the pressurised crew areas were relatively tiny when occupied by a crew of fifteen, or even more when relief crews were carried. Those long missions, aloft for days at a time, were especially taxing.
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