Lockheed XB30 Constellation, Connie bomber, to match with B29 plus bonus XP75A, XP62 and XP81 experimental fighters

In early 1939, the USAAC was alarmed by the wars in Europe and Far East . A special committee was established and was sent to the Luftwaffe bases. The final report convinced the committee that Germany was far ahead of the Allied nations. It led to the USAAC requirement for a "Super Bomber" which could operate at high-speeds, long-range, more bomb load and more defensive armament than the existing B-17 and B-24. In 1940, Lockheed submitted Model L249 for the competition, and it received the designation XB-30. The Army also issued contracts for a preliminary design to other three major aircraft companies, which were designated as Boeing XB-29, Douglas XB-31 and Consolidated XB-32. The Lockheed XB-30 was based on design of the L49 Constellation which was resurrected for use as the C-69 military transport and civil airliner. In September 1941, the Boeing and Consolidated were much further in their designs, and received prototype contacts. The XB-30 and XB-31 were withdrawn from competition.