In development at the same time as
the Keystone XB-1, the Curtiss XB-2 was
quite similar but proved to be the superior
aircraft. Like the Keystone design, the
XB-2 also mounted dual Lewis guns in
turrets located in the rear of the engine
nacelles.
A crew of five was carried by this
bomber with a performance rating that
placed it far above any planes in its
class. Testing of the XB-2 began in
September, 1927, and though the qualities
were superior to competing types, the
higher cost of the B-2 resulted in a limited
production order of only 12 planes in
June, 1928. The first B-2 was delivered
in May, 1929.
In view of the excellent performance
of the Condor, it is interesting to note
the biplane tail assembly used. Production
B-2's were the first aircraft of the
type to incorporate tail wheels instead
of the skid which assisted in braking,
but was also responsible for structural
failures.
