1 December 1944
Boeing Aircraft Corporation
Experimental Airplane
XF8B-1 NOa(s) 742 3 & 1 Static Test R-4360 2-stage
The airplane is complete and at the flight hangar. Approximately 80% of the propeller vibration survey has been completed and taxi tests began about the middle of November. The first flight was made on 37 November for a duration of one hour and 3 minutes. Power plant and airplane performance were considered very good. Additional flight tests are scheduled.
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1 January 1945
Boeing Aircraft Corporation
Experimental Airplane
XF8B-1 NOa(s) 742 3 & 1 Static Test R-4360 2-stage
The first airplane is flying. No major difficulty has been encountered. The stability about all axes appears highly satisfactory. No performance checks have been run. The contractor is currently stepping up the I.A.S. by increments of 25 M.P.H. and will demonstrate to 400 I.A.S. and 5g before any flights by Naval personnel. The R-4360 engine and Aeroprop combination is operating very smoothly and to the complete satisfaction of Boeing. It is anticipated that preliminary evaluation flights by BuAer and Flight Test pilots will be made in Seattle sometime during January.
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1 February 1945
Boeing Aircraft Corporation
Experimental Airplane 1 July 1945 (written on paper)
XF8B-1 NOa(s) 742 3 & 1 Static Test R-4360 2-stage
The project officer flew the first airplane 9 January and was impressed with its excellent handling characteristics. Stability appeared positive about all axes. Ground handling and taxiing was easy. Take-off was effortless with no swinging tendency whatever. All components operate smoothly. The cockpit is well arranged and comfortable. The impression was gained that this airplane should be popular with service pilots. The contractor has prepared a proposal for the conversion of the third airplane to a two seater attack version capable of carrying a large variety and load of armament.
1 July 1945