| XB-51 | |
|---|---|
 First prototype, 46-685 during testing | |
| General information | |
| Type | Bomber |
| Manufacturer | Glenn L. Martin Company |
| Status | Canceled in 1952 |
| Primary user | United States Air Force |
| Number built | 2 |
| History | |
| First flight | 28 October 1949 |
| Retired | 25 March 1956 |
The Martin XB-51 was an American trijet ground-attack aircraft. It was designed in 1945 and made its maiden flight in 1949. It was originally designed as a bomber for the United States Army Air Forces under specification V-8237-1 and was designated XA-45. The "A" ground-attack classification was eliminated the next year, and the XB-51 designation was assigned instead. The requirement was for low-level bombing and close support. The XB-51 lost out in evaluation to the English Electric Canberra which - built by Martin - entered service as the Martin B-57 Canberra.