The North American XB-70 is one of the most unusual looking aircraft in aviation history, and only two were constructed. It was originally designed as a Mach 3 high-altitude bomber, but was later used as a research aircraft. This new book by John Campbell and Garry Pape gives a short, detailed history of the XB-70, including production, flight tests, and the fatal crash of Aircraft #2 in 1965. Aircraft #1 is now at the U.S. Air Force Museum at Wright-Patterson AFB.
This is the story of the largest Mach 3 aircraft ever flown the North American Aviation XB-70A Valkyrie. Dennis R. Jenkins and Tony R. Landis have conducted extensive research in military, NASA, and company archives to find previously uncovered aspects of this fascinating program. Includes descriptions of the proposed bombing and navigation systems, defensive armament, electronic countermeasures, and early attempts at stealth technology. Accompanied by over 250 photos and dozens of illustrations, this in-depth history covers the entire B-70 program, not just the two aircraft that ultimately flew.
“This profusely illustrated and thoroughly researched book conveys a wealth of information” about the USAF’s B-1 bomber (Aviation History Magazine). When the B-52 Stratofortress entered operational service with the US Air Force in 1955, work was already underway on defining its successor. The B-70 Valkyrie, a Mach 3 jet bomber, was one option. Although two XB-70A prototypes flew, the B-70 never went into production. Out of the subsequent Advanced Manned Strategic Aircraft program came the B-1A bomber, which flew at high speed and low altitude to evade enemy air defenses. But the B-1A was cancelled in favor of fitting the B-52 with cruise missiles. The B-1, known as the BONE, was revived in 1981 as the improved B-1B to boost American military power and serve as a symbol of American strength at the peak of Cold War tensions. The B-1B entered service in 1986 with several deficiencies. The resolution of most of these issues coincided with the end of the Cold War. After the Cold War, the B-1B lost its primary nuclear mission but remained relevant by transforming into a high-speed, long-range, high-payload delivery platform for conventional precision-guided munitions. The first combat use of the B-1B was in 1998 in Iraq. The BONE has proved a highly effective combat aircraft in Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Syria, and the former Yugoslavia. This extensively illustrated book traces the BONE’s long development and operational history in detail. “A must-read book . . . a great reference for historians, pilots, engineers, and even policy makers. Both the writing and photos are excellent.” —Air & Space Power History
Fold realistic replicas of 19 planes — 10 airworthy, 9 for display. Models include the Concorde, F-16 Fighting Falcon, F-117 Nighthawk, and XB-70 Valkyrie. A CD-ROM contains bonus photos, full-color "skins," and additional models.
Half a century before the 'flying wing' B-2 stealth bomber entered service, John K. 'Jack' Northrop was already developing prototypes of a large 'flying wing' strategic bomber, which would have been the most radical bombers of their age. World War II brought a need for very long-range bombers and Northrop received a contract for a 172-ft span bomber, the B-35. Several of these were built, gradually evolving into the definitive XB-35 configuration. Testing revealed that the aircraft was invisible to radar, but engineers struggled to overcome the design challenges and several pilots were lost in crashes. While the program was cancelled in the 1950s, the concept extended into other highly innovative areas, such as the XP-56 and MX-324 Rocket Wing prototype fighters. But the greatest legacy was the first operational flying wing – the Northrop Grumman B-2 stealth bomber, which used much of the hard-won experience from the pioneering programs of half a century before.
This book puts the reader in the pilot's seat for a "day at the office" unlike any other. The Smell of Kerosene tells the dramatic story of a NASA research pilot who logged over 11,000 flight hours in more than 125 types of aircraft. Donald Mallick gives the reader fascinating first-hand description of his early naval flight training, carrier operations, and his research flying career with NASA. After transferring to the NASA Flight Research Center, Mallick became involved with projects that further pushed the boundaries of aerospace technology. These included the giant delta-winged XB-70 supersonic airplane, the wingless M2-F1 lifting body vehicle, and triple-sonic YF-12 Blackbird. Mallick also test flew the Lunar Landing Research Vehicle and helped develop techniques used in training astronauts to land on the Moon.
Though production of the XB-70 Valkyrie was limited to just two prototypes, it remains one of the most incredible aircraft ever built. Conceived at the height of the Cold War, the XB-70 was envisioned as long-range, high-altitude bomber capable of Mach 3 at a time when fighter aircraft one-tenth its weight struggled to attain Mach 2. Eventually, however, advances in air-to-air missile technology made the bomber obsolete before it even entered service. This book is the complete story of the XB-70 Valkyrie, from its promising future as the most likely successor to the B-52, through its abandonment after 15 years of development. Explained and illustrated are the innovative technologies and materials introduced by the project and how they paved the way for future aircraft like the B-l, B-2, and F-117. Also described are the backroom politics associated with the XB-70 and the tragic crash that killed the crew of one prototype. Today, the surviving XB-70 is the centerpiece exhibit at the U.S Air Force Museum in Dayton, Ohio.
Van Shepard rose from a humble upbringing in the Great Depression to pursue his lifelong passion for aviation. After receiving his Army Air Forces pilot's wings in World War II, he became a test pilot for the US Air Force, launching a career in which he flew virtually every category of aircraft. As an industry test pilot, his accomplishments included piloting the largest supersonic aircraft in America's history, the XB-70 Valkyrie, at three times the speed of sound. Along the way, her survived a typhoon's direct hit in Okinawa, a low altitude ejection from a flaming fighter in Ohio, and an emergency landing on malfunctioning gear in California. He met his demise doing what he loved, testing a new aircraft design at Edwards Air Force Base.
"Aerospace history is a fascinating subject. However, what is genuinely intriguing is an examination of those twists and turns of fate, sometimes referred to as, "what might have been." New aeronautical designs are often developed in response to a particular need for which the government may ask industry for input. Yet, in the many attempts to achieve a viable product, even the competition winners do not always survive, and are subsequently cancelled for poor performance, not meeting schedule milestones, budgetary pressures or political intrigue. Each aircraft requires very advanced thinking in aerodynamics, materials, manufacturing techniques, training and logistics and where some of thes advances were long contemplated by designers...forced by the rapid advance of science and warfare. Imposing their will upon the instincts and the experience of their military subordinates,...politicians often seal the fate of promising contenders. Project Terminated provides a succinct, accurate assessment of the development of the" aircraft that did not survive the obstacles, "analyzing technical and political challenges and their solutions. Combined with the concept of how these remarkable aircraft would have appeared in operational use, and illustrated throughout with over 250 photographs and drawings, Project Terminated provides an enticing look both at the past and the future." --Excerpted from back cover.
Of the many futuristic military aircraft concepts created in the 1950s the North American XB-70 still stands out as the most awe-inspiring. With its huge, white partially-folding delta wing, its fuselage resembling a striking cobra and its extraordinary performance, it was one of the foremost technological achievements of the 20th Century. A strategic bomber built to outrun any Soviet fighter jet, it could reach Mach 3 with a full nuclear payload - as fast as the legendary SR-71 Blackbird but more than three times the size. However, its role as a nuclear bomber was limited after the introduction of Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles, and defence cuts eventually led to the project being scrapped in the mid-1960s. The Valkyrie had a brief, costly decade of life but it proved the continuing value of developing manned bombers. However, almost half a century after the XB-70 its predecessor, the B-52, continues in service. Using full colour artwork and rigorous analysis, this is the complete story of the ultimate US Cold War military X-plane.
