Which Beech attack aircraft mounted a 75 mm cannon?

Short answer

The Beechcraft XA-38 Grizzly, developed as the Model 28 "Destroyer," carried a 75 mm cannon with 20 rounds fixed in the nose, plus two forward-firing.50 calibre (12.7 mm) M2 Browning machine guns. The USAAF ordered two prototypes in December 1942, and no production followed.

Published: November 4, 2026 · Updated: November 4, 2026 · Edited by Above Ten Thousand · Editorial policy

Which Beech attack aircraft mounted a 75 mm cannon?

A-38 Grizzly

A 75 mm cannon in the nose

The armament of the XA-38 Grizzly consisted of a 75 mm cannon with 20 rounds, fixed-mounted in the nose, plus two forward-firing.50 calibre (12.7 mm) M2 Browning machine guns.

The Model 28 "Destroyer"

In December 1942 the United States Army Air Forces awarded Beech Aircraft Corporation a contract for two prototypes of its Model 28 "Destroyer." The aircraft was powered by two air-cooled Wright R-3350-43 radial engines of 2,300 hp (1,700 kW) each. It proved satisfactory in every respect and better than expected in some, including its top speed, rated at 370 mph (600 km/h, 320 kn).

An aircraft that arrived too late

The B-29 had priority over Wright R-3350 engines, and by the time engines became available in sufficient numbers despite that priority, the war was nearly over and no production was ordered. The XA-38 was cancelled after a second prototype was completed.