Physical Specifications

• The B-36 was the largest piston-powered aircraft ever produced. Its wingspan was 230 feet; the wing was up to 7 feet thick and included a passageway for crew members to access the engines. The B-36 was just over 162 feet in length and almost 47 feet tall. The aircraft weighed 166,165 lb. when empty and had a maximum takeoff weight of 280,000 lb. A pressurized tunnel connected the cockpit and forward crew area with the rear compartment, which included bunks, a galley and the tail turret.
  
  

Operational Specifications

• With a combat load, the Peacemaker had a takeoff roll of 3,500 feet. Once airborne, the B-36 had a maximum speed of 435 mph and a cruise speed of 230 mph. The aircraft could climb at 2,000 feet per minute and reach a service ceiling of 45,200 feet. With a combat range of 8,175 miles, the B-36 holds the distinction of being the only U.S. aircraft that was capable of delivering its bombs to another continent and returning to base without refueling.
  
  

Power Specifications

• The original B-36s were equipped with six 3,500-horsepower Pratt and Whitney R-4360 radial engines. These 25-cylinder engines were mounted in a "pusher" configuration with 19-foot, three-bladed propellers. Beginning with the B-36D model, two sets of General Electric J47-19 turbojets were added. Mounted under the outer wings, each of these turbojets produced 5,200 lb. of thrust, bringing the B-36's total power to 44,000 horsepower -- the equivalent of nine locomotives. Typically, the turbojets were used only during takeoff and over the target -- conserving fuel and providing added power and speed when most needed.
  
  

Armament Specifications

• The B-36 could carry a maximum weapons load of 72,000 lb. in four bomb bays. The aircraft was the first U.S. bomber capable of delivering every type of nuclear weapon in the U.S. arsenal, without any aircraft modifications. The B-36 was originally outfitted with eight pairs of M24 20-mm cannons, mounted in six remote-controlled turrets, one fixed nose turret and one fixed tail turret. These turrets were removed, beginning in 1954.
  
  

Crew Specifications

• The B-36 was originally manned by a crew of 15. Crew positions included pilot, co-pilot, two navigators, bombardier, flight engineer, radio operator, radar operator, two ECM operators and five gunners.
  
  

Additional B-36 Facts

• The B-36 was capable of producing 160,000 W of power, which ran through 30 miles of electrical wiring. The B-36 typically carried about 30,000 gallons of fuel at takeoff.