Douglas B-23 Dragon (2984)

Built in 1939, it started life as a modified B-18 Bolo. With refinements made in the fuselage and tail and more powerful engines, it became the first American bomber to have a tail gun. It was also armed with 3 additional guns and could carry 2 tons of bombs. It was considered obsolete by the time it first flew and only 38 aircraft were buuilt. Most were used in anti-submarine patrol or were designated as UC-67 and converted to transports with up to 12 passengers and a crew of 3. This one at Castle Air Museum had an effective career as a bomber of only 2 years, July 1940 to August 1942.