North American XB-70 Valkyrie

Author: John M. Campbell
Publisher: Schiffer Military History
ISBN: 9780887409066
Category : B-70 bomber
Languages : en
Pages : 0

Book Description
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.

Valkyrie

Author: Dennis R. Jenkins
Publisher: Specialty Press (MN)
ISBN: 9781580071307
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 0

Book Description
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.

Northrop Flying Wings

Author: Peter E. Davies
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
ISBN: 147282508X
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 81

Book Description
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.

The Smell of Kerosene

Author: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Publisher: DigiCat
ISBN:
Category : Transportation
Languages : en
Pages : 276

Book Description
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.

North American X-15

Author: Peter E. Davies
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
ISBN: 1472819926
Category : Transportation
Languages : en
Pages : 84

Book Description
The revolutionary X-15 remains the fastest manned aircraft ever to fly. Built in the two decades following World War II, it was the most successful of the high-speed X-planes. The only recently broken 'sound barrier' was smashed completely by the X-15, which could hit Mach 6.7 and soar to altitudes above 350,000ft, beyond the edge of space. Several pilots qualified as astronauts by flying above 50 miles altitude in the X-15, including Neil Armstrong, the first man on the Moon. The three X-15s made 199 flights, testing new technologies and techniques which greatly eased America's entry into manned space travel, and made the Apollo missions and Space Shuttle viable propositions. With historical photographs and stunning digital artwork, this is the story of arguably the greatest of the X-Planes.

North American XB-70 Valkyrie

Author: Peter E. Davies
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
ISBN: 1472825047
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 81

Book Description
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.

North American Aviation

Author: John Casey
Publisher: Amethyst Moon
ISBN: 9781935354291
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 120

Book Description
This is the true account of one of America's greatest aircraft producers, North American Aviation: its rise and its fall. It is the story of its only two CEOs: "Dutch" Kindelberger and Lee Atwood. One would oversee its rise, and the other would oversee its fall across the tumultuous backdrop of the Age of Flight. The real reason for the fall may never be known, but some of those involved share their viewpoints in this book.The story provides perspective on why things happened, shares anecdotes about the people and the airplanes, and what both did for aviation. Their achievements and what they represent in our imagination is the stuff of legend.We hope all of our readers-aviation buffs, historians, and future CEOs-gain an insight into the effort, rewards, and pitfalls that lie along the path to achieving great things.Warren E. Thompson. Military Aviation Historian, says of North American Aviation: The Rise and Fall of an Aerospace Giant, "John Casey was in upper management positions with North American Aviation from 1941 until he retired in 1968. His knowledge of the aviation manufacturing business during World War II and the early years of the Cold War with the Soviet Union is second to none. He has written several books, and this one is the best yet. His book could fit the profile of just about any aerospace giant that has disappeared over the past 40+ years. I highly recommend this book to anyone with an interest in aviation."

Luftwaffe Emergency Fighters

Author: Robert Forsyth
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
ISBN: 1472819969
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 91

Book Description
In late 1944, the German Air Ministry organised what it called an 'Emergency Fighter Competition' intended to produce designs for quick-to-build yet technically and tactically effective jet fighter aircraft capable of tackling the anticipated arrival of the B-29 Superfortress over Europe, as well as the British Mosquito and US P-38 Lightning which were appearing in ever greater numbers. Thus was born a cutting-edge, highly sophisticated series of aircraft including the futuristic and elegant Focke-Wulf Ta 183; the extraordinary Blohm und Voss P.212, and the state-of-the-art Messerschmitt P.1101 series. Armed with heavy cannon and the latest air-to-air rockets and missiles, these were designed to inflict carnage on American bomber formations at high speed. Using stunning three-view illustrations of each prototype along with full colour artwork, aviation expert Robert Forsyth traces the history of the extraordinary aircraft of the 'Emergency Fighter Competition', Hitler's last throw of the dice in the air war against the Allies.

Bomber R & D Since 1945

Author: Mark A. Lorell
Publisher: RAND Corporation
ISBN:
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 100

Book Description
The authors conclude that relevant experience does, indeed, matter--firms develop valuable system-specific knowledge in ongoing work, and experience in important new technologies has a distinct advantage.

Project Terminated

Author: Erik Simonsen
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780859791731
Category : Aeronautics, Military
Languages : en
Pages : 0

Book Description
"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.