Download or read book Valkyrie written by Graham Simons and published by Casemate Publishers. This book was released on 2011-11-01 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: During the 1950s, at the time Elvis Presley was rocking the world with Hound Dog and the USA was aiming to become the world's only superpower, plans were being drawn at North American Aviation in Southern California for an incredible Mach-3 strategic bomber. The concept was born as a result of General Curtis LeMay's desire for a heavy bomber with the weapon load and range of the subsonic B-52 and a top speed in excess of the supersonic medium bomber, the B-58 Hustler. If LeMay's plans came to fruition there would be 250 Valkyries in the air; it would be the pinnacle of his quest for the ultimate strategic bomber operated by America's Strategic Air Command. The design was a leap into the future that pushed the envelope in terms of exotic materials, avionics and power plants. However, in April 1961, Defense Secretary McNamara stopped the production go-ahead for the B-70 because of rapid cost escalation and the USSR's newfound ability to destroy aircraft at extremely high altitude using either missiles or the new Mig-25 fighter. Nevertheless, in 1963 plans for the production of three high-speed research aircraft were approved and construction proceeded. In September 1964 the first Valkyrie, now re-coded A/V-1 took to the air for the first time and in October went supersonic.This book is the most detailed description of the design, engineering and research that went into this astounding aircraft. It is full of unpublished details, photographs and firsthand accounts from those closely associated with the project. Although never put into full production, this giant six-engined aircraft became famous for its breakthrough technology, and the spectacular images captured on a fatal air-to-air photo shoot when an observing Starfighter collided with Valkyrie A/V-2 which crashed into the Mojave Desert.The loss of the $750 million aircraft and two lives stopped future development, although there were several attempts to redesign it as an airliner to compete against the European Concorde.
Download or read book North American XB 70 Valkyrie written by Peter E. Davies and published by Bloomsbury Publishing. This book was released on 2018-03-09 with total page 81 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 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.
Download or read book Valkyrie the North American XB 70 written by Graham M. Simons and published by Pen and Sword. This book was released on 2014-08-19 with total page 383 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: “A fascinating insight into one of the Cold War’s most interesting concept aircraft . . . [with] new information, photographs and first-hand accounts.” —Flypast During the 1950s, plans were being drawn at North American Aviation in Southern California for an incredible Mach-3 strategic bomber. The concept was born as a result of General Curtis LeMay’s desire for a heavy bomber with the weapon load and range of the subsonic B-52 and a top speed in excess of the supersonic medium bomber, the B-58 Hustler. However, in April 1961, Defense Secretary McNamara stopped the production go-ahead for the B-70 because of rapid cost escalation and the USSR’s newfound ability to destroy aircraft at extremely high altitude using either missiles or the new Mig-25 fighter. Nevertheless, in 1963 plans for the production of three high-speed research aircraft were approved and construction proceeded. In September 1964 the first Valkyrie, now re-coded A/V-1, took to the air for the first time and in October went supersonic. This book is the most detailed description of the design, engineering and research that went into this astounding aircraft. It is full of unpublished details, photographs and firsthand accounts from those closely associated with the project. Although never put into full production, this giant six-engined aircraft became famous for its breakthrough technology, and the spectacular images captured on a fatal air-to-air photo shoot when an observing Starfighter collided with Valkyrie A/V-2 which crashed into the Mojave Desert. “Well-illustrated with numerous diagrams and black and white photographs, the book provides an interesting insight into one of the so-called ‘white elephant’ projects of the 1960s.” —Jets Monthly
Download or read book North American XB 70 Valkyrie written by John M. Campbell and published by Schiffer Military History. This book was released on 1997-01-06 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 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.
Download or read book North American XB 70 in Color written by John M. Campbell and published by Schiffer Military History. This book was released on 1997-12 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The North American XB-70 Valkyrie 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 Cambell is an all-color photo study of the XB-70, including production, flight tests, and the fatal crash of Aircraft #2. Aircraft #1 is now at the U.S. Air Force Museum at Wright-Patterson AFB.
Download or read book Valkyrie written by Dennis R. Jenkins and published by Specialty Press (MN). This book was released on 2008 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 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.
Download or read book Xb 70 Valkyrie written by Jeannette Remak and published by . This book was released on 2016-02-17 with total page 152 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: XB-70 The Return To Valhalla is a look back at the XB-70 Valkyrie and the amazing program that could have, should have been .However, due to politics and a major accident, the program was canceled. "The Return to Valhalla" is a revised version of the first book "XB-70 -The Ride to Valhalla" but has been updated with new material and photographs including the permanent move to the new Research and Development hangar at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force.
Download or read book The Supersonic Bone written by Kenneth Katz and published by Pen and Sword Aviation. This book was released on 2022-03-18 with total page 552 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: “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
Download or read book North American Xb 70a Valkyrie Warbird Tech written by Dennis R. Jenkins and published by . This book was released on 2002-04 with total page 106 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The North American XB-70 Valkyrie was an attempt to build the ultimate offensive weapon fo the Cold War - a heavy bomber capable of flying at Mach 3 and reaching targets deep inside the Soviet Union. The aircraft that emerged was one of the most graceful large aircraft ever to fly, and one that looked everybit as fast on the ground as it ws in the air - over 2,00 mph at high altitude. It was years ahead of its time. But politics and changing requirements ultimately doomed the Valkyrie program to only two aircraft. Neighter was a true prototype of a weapons system, and instead was used to test the concept of such a large aircraft flying so fast.The authors have uncovered a great deal of new matierial on the XB-70 program - both on the aircraft as flown, and on what the proposed production aircraft would have looked like had they been built. Many never-before-seen photographs and drawings are included in the book. Details of the defensive perspective with the politics and economic realities that caused its cancellation. The photos in this edition are black and white.
Download or read book Northrop Flying Wings written by Peter E. Davies and published by Bloomsbury Publishing. This book was released on 2019-02-21 with total page 81 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 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.
Download or read book Bomber R D Since 1945 written by Mark A. Lorell and published by RAND Corporation. This book was released on 1995 with total page 100 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 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.
Download or read book North American XB 70A Valkyrie written by Dennis R. Jenkins and published by Specialty Press (MN). This book was released on 2002 with total page 112 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This top-flight series provides a review of the world's most exciting combat aircraft.
Download or read book Landing Loads and Accelerations of the XB 70 1 Airplane written by Ronald J. Wilson and published by . This book was released on 1968 with total page 36 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book The Big Book of X Bombers X Fighters written by Steve Pace and published by Zenith Press. This book was released on 2016-03-15 with total page 743 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: They're all here--every X-bomber and X-fighter since 1942. On October 2, 1942, the Bell XP-59 Airacomet soared up and away from present-day Edwards AFB, launching the US Army Air Forces into the Jet Age. In the several decades since, hundreds of new variations of experimental and test turbojet-powered bombers and fighters--X-bombers and X-fighters--have taken explosive flight. These aircraft blazed a trail leading to today's B-2 Stealth Bomber and F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. The Big Book of X-Bombers & X-Fighters showcases all of the USAF jet-powered X-bombers and X-fighters that have flown since 1942--more than 90 in all, including the alphabet soup of their variants. From experimental to prototype service bombers and fighters--from the XB-43 to the B-2A and the XP-59A to the F-35A--they're all here, with their inside stories revealed. Some of these aircraft were further developed. Others were canceled. All stretched the performance and design envelopes. More than 250 photos illustrate all of these experimental aircrafts' cutting-edge features and zeroes in on histories of their design, flight testing, and weapons testing. Specification tables detailing performance, design, and armaments help round out this compendium of information on truly groundbreaking aviation designs. X-bombers and X-fighters in The Big Book of X-Bombers & X-Fighters include: Bell P-59 Airacomet Republic P/F-84 Thunderjet Douglas B-43 Jetmaster North American B-45 Tornado Boeing B-47 Stratojet Curtiss P/F-87 Blackhawk McDonnell P/F-85 Goblin Convair P/F-92 "Dart" Northrop F-17 Cobra Boeing B-1 Lancer And all the rest! Specifications included for each aircraft include: Length Height Wingspan Empty weight Gross weight Maximum range Ceiling Maximum speed Armament In addition, veteran aviation author Steve Pace shows readers some of the designs that could have been and offers a peek into what might be lurking in the future, making this the definitive guide to USAF jet-powered experimental aircraft!
Download or read book Air Force Combat Units of World War II written by Maurer Maurer and published by DIANE Publishing. This book was released on 1961 with total page 520 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book B 17 Gunner written by Craig A. Kleinsmith and published by McFarland. This book was released on 2020-07-08 with total page 226 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: For three years, Staff Sergeant Charles M. Eyer served as a B-17 ball turret gunner over Europe during World War II. Based in part on a secret journal he kept as a prisoner of war, this book records Eyer's firsthand account of his harrowing 59 combat missions (B-17 crewmen could not expect to survive 10), his escape from a burning B-17 deep inside Germany, the horrors of confinement in a Nazi POW camp, and his survival of an 80-day forced march during the brutal winter of 1944-45.
Download or read book Tupolev TU 22 written by Sergey Burdin and published by Pen and Sword. This book was released on 2005-11-17 with total page 362 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This historic Russian aircraft was first delivered to the Soviet Air Force at the height of the Cold War in 1961. It remained in service until replaced by the much modified Tu-22M Backfire which was introduced in the early 1970s and still remains in service. It was the first Soviet supersonic bomber and was used for reconnaissance and bombing, in the latter role carrying either conventional or nuclear bombs. The early aircraft had a range of 1,800 miles but later models had a much increased radius of action through the introduction of in-flight refuelling. This book looks at the design and development of the aircraft up to the introduction of the type M Backfire. Details of construction, weapon systems, photo-reconnaissance and jamming equipment are included to cover the several variant models. Operational use is explained and the text includes many first-hand accounts from Russian aircrew of the period. The book will be superbly illustrated by unique official photographs and manuals.
