Peter E. Davies

Northrop Flying Wings (eBook, PDF)

Illustrator: Tooby, Adam

• Format: PDF

Produktbeschreibung

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.

Produktdetails

• Verlag: Bloomsbury UK
• Seitenzahl: 80
• Erscheinungstermin: 21. Februar 2019
• Englisch
• ISBN-13: 9781472825186
• Artikelnr.: 56246207

Autorenporträt

Peter E. Davies has specialized in the aircraft of the Vietnam and Cold War periods, analyzing tactics, background politics and technologies in combat situations. His books are always enriched by original first-hand interviews and unpublished illustrative material. Peter has also been a contributor to publications such as Aeroplane Monthly, Aviation News and Aircraft Illustrated. He lives in Bristol, UK.

Inhaltsangabe

Introduction
Flying Wing Evolution
The XB-35
The YB-49
Disaster and Diminuendo
Flying Wing Legacy Bibliography
Index