XB42 MIXMASTER
In 1943 the Douglas XB-42 project was designed to create a twin-engined bomber having a maximum speed in excess of 400 mph and capable of carrying a bomb load of 2000 pounds to targets within a 2000-mile radius. This aircraft was envisioned to be an attack aircraft, but the USAAF changed its designation from XA-42 to XB-42 with the view that this bomber would be a potential substitute for the Boeing B-29 (if the Boeing project became hung up in development). The XB-42 bomber was unique in that both of its engines were located inside of the fuselage (turning a pair of contra-rotating propellers in the tail), which allowed the wing to have a clean unfettered design. The aircraft had a crew of three, and was armed with a turret contained two .50 caliber machine guns in the trailing edge of each wing. The first prototype flew in May 1944, and proved to have outstanding performance. It’s top speed was over 400 mph, which was comparable to the fast British Mosquito, but the XB-42 carried twice the maximum bomb load, and was better armed. Development continued until December 1945, at which time it was decided not to produce the B-42, due to the fact that jet-powered bombers were already on the drawing boards. The second prototype was modified to have turbojets under the wings for testing purposes, and was re-designated XB-42A. The project was finally canceled in 1948, with the sole-remaining example being turned over to the Smithsonian Institute’s National Air and Space Museum in 1949. The final legacy of this project was a redesigned version with the jet engines placed inside of the fuselage, designated the XB-43.
This is part of a series of 23 caches dedicated to the American Aircraft of WWII. Each cache is dedicated to a particular aircraft model and can be logged as an individual find. The series consists of 16 regular caches and 7 mystery caches. The series will be divided into 5 sub-series, one for each category of aircraft (Fighters, Bombers, Seaplanes, and X-series Prototypes) and a final series consisting of three of the most recognizable aircraft of WWII. (P51 Mustang, B17 Flying Fortress and B29 Super Fortress).
This cache is part of the X-SERIES PROTOTYPES sub-series. The log contains a code used to find the final of this sub-series: American WWII Aircraft-X-SERIES PROTOTYPES (GC1D44Z).
X-SERIES PROTOTYPES = N40 48.XB35/XF5U W07435.XB36/XB42
GZ is in full view of the trail. Please use caution for Muggles. Stealth required.
This cache is located along a portion of the Randolph Trails. These trails are well maintained and easy to walk. Trail maps are readily available at most of the trail heads. Randolph’s trail system runs a 16-mile course traversing five parks, the Clyde Potts Reservoir Watershed and 2,000 acres of pristine open space. The trails link together schools with neighborhoods and connect to Patriots’ Path at Combs Hollow and Old Brookside. Randolph’s trails should be viewed as a work in progress as the township continues to pursue easements and funding to expand our trail network. The township funds 90% of design and construction costs through state grants and developer contributions. Over $1.5 million in state grants and developer contributions has been invested in Randolph’s trails. Open year round, the trails can be used from dawn to dusk and are closed at night. During the winter months, there is no snow or ice removal, providing a wonderful opportunity for cross-country skiers and snowshoe enthusiasts.