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The Douglas B-18 Bolo was an American medium bomber used by the United States Army Air Corps (USAAC) during the late 1930s and early 1940s. It was primarily employed for coastal defense and anti-submarine patrols before and during World War II.
Description
The B-18 Bolo was a twin-engine, all-metal monoplane bomber with a crew of six to seven members. It featured a mid-wing configuration and retractable landing gear, a relatively modern feature for its time. The aircraft had a solid nose housing the bombardier's position, an enclosed cockpit for the pilot and co-pilot, and defensive armament positions in the dorsal and ventral turrets.
Specifications
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Operational History
The B-18 Bolo entered service with the USAAC in the late 1930s and was initially intended as a coastal defense and anti-submarine patrol aircraft. It saw limited combat action during World War II due to its relatively slow speed and inadequate defensive armament compared to newer bombers. However, it played a crucial role in early wartime reconnaissance and patrol missions, particularly in the Atlantic and Pacific theaters.
As newer and more capable bombers became available, such as the B-17 Flying Fortress and B-24 Liberator, the B-18 was gradually phased out of frontline service. It continued to serve in secondary roles, including training and transport duties, until the end of the war. Some B-18s were also converted for civilian use after the war, serving as cargo and passenger aircraft.
Overall, while the Douglas B-18 Bolo was not as prominent or successful as later bombers, it represented an important developmental stage in USAAF bomber design and capabilities during the interwar period and early World War II.
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Historical Artifacts: We are looking for photos, documents and other types of artifacts including uniforms, medals, insignia, gear, manuals, and training material. We accept electronic/scans or originals of pictures and paper records. A General Order could be an award document that contains information on many servicemen. Special Orders may contain transfers or other information. Flight records, accident reports, maintenance logs, after action reports, pilot encounter reports, diaries and biorgraphies; all of these types of documents help us support or mission: preserving your history! Contact us today for instructions on sending us this material. Contact Today
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