Name that plane!

Aerospace Manufacturing and Design welcomes all aircraft enthusiasts to join in the fun, and NAME THAT PLANE! Each issue, a new aircraft will be featured in the Aviation Appreciation section. Given a photo and a clue box, readers are encouraged to guess which plane is being described, then send in their answers to the AMD staff.

This American plane was the first all-metal monoplane bomber to enter full production for the US Army. Its performance exceeded that of contemporary pursuit aircraft, and the plane was considered to be an important contribution to flight's Golden Age. US Air Corps observers witnessed the twin-engine prototype fly across Wright Field, Ohio in July, 1932, at 197mph. Awarded the prestigious Collier Trophy, this plane would be the first American-designed bomber to enter combat.

The airplane began a revolution in bomber design. It is a mid-wing cantilever monoplane with retractable landing gear. It holds one pilot and two gunners. At its nose, it has a revolving turret. Its features include closed cockpits, rotating gun turrets, internal bomb bay, and full engine cowlings, which became the standard for decades to come. It made all existing bombers completely obsolete.

One of these fully-restored airplanes is now standing at the United States Air Force Museum.

Prizes include:

1st place (first correct answer received)

A high-quality model of the featured airplane, complete with desk stand and winner's certificate.

Runners-up

(2nd through 5th correct answers received)

An Aerospace Manufacturing and Design consolation prize, including: hats, pens, T-shirts or other exciting products for your enjoyment.

Please send your answers via email to: Heather DeAngelis, Assistant Editor, at hdeangelis@gie.net, with "Aviation Appreciation" in the subject line. Only email entries will qualify.

Have fun, and good luck!