PW-9/FB

The Model 15 (PW-9) was the first successful Boeing-designed fighter and established the company as a major American builder of military aircraft.

Its internal bracing was arc-w 11311f59l elded tubing rather than the spruce and wire used in older biplanes. It was designated PW-9 (for "pursuit water-cooled design 9) by the Army and designated FB-1 by the Navy.

Between 1923 and 1928, Boeing built 157 PW-9/FBs in different versions, as well as 77 derivatives as NBs (Navy training planes). The NBs were 4 feet longer than the PW-9/FBs and powered by either 180- or 200-horsepower engines. Boeing sold five NBs to Peru.

First flight:

June 2, 1923

Model number:

Classification:

Fighter

Span:

32 feet

Length:

23 feet 5 inches

Gross weight:

3,120 pounds

Top speed:

159.1 mph

Cruising speed:

142 mph

Range:

390 miles

Ceiling:

18,925 feet

Power:

435-horsepower Curtiss D-12 engine

Accommodation:

1 pilot

Armament:

One .30 cal. machine gun and one .55 cal. machine gun or two .30 cal. machine guns, two 122-pound bombs