Today we're looking at the Witteman-Lewis XNBL-1, more commonly known as the Barling Bomber. It could be considered one of the first true attempts at making a strategic bomber. This highly experimental giant was first flown in 1923, and it was designed by Walter Barling for William 'Billy' Mitchell who wanted a bomber powerful enough to sink a battleship. Due to multiple reasons, the aircraft's performance was a disappointment, and critics nicknamed it "Mitchell's folly".

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Producing these videos is a hobby of mine - and apparently its now a full-time job too! I have a passion for history, and personally own a large collection of books, journals and other texts, and endeavor to do as much research as possible. However if there are any mistakes, please don't hesitate to reach out and correct anything :)

Sources:
Cornelisse D.G (2002), Splendid Vision, Unswerving Purpose: Developing Air Power for the United States Air Force During the First Century of Powered Flight.
Engineering Division (1923), Technical Bulletin No.35.
Flight, 13 February (1923), "The Barling Bomber: An American Six-engined Giant".

Project B footage courtesy of - https://catalog.archives.gov/