The US Air Force Bolted Jet Engines Onto Its Largest-Ever Bomber, But It Still Wasn’t Enough To Save It

The Convair B-36 Peacemaker strategic bomber is one of the most ambitious bombers ever built. While the unusual pusher configuration of its six Pratt & Whitney R-4360 Wasp Major piston engines is perhaps its most distinctive feature, later variants also carried four General Electric J47 turbojets. These jets were added to improve take-off performance, climb rate, and high-speed dash capability, helping keep the enormous bomber operationally relevant.