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Northrop Flying Wings

Paperback / softback

Main Details

Title Northrop Flying Wings
Authors and Contributors      By (author) Peter E. Davies
Illustrated by Adam Tooby
SeriesX-Planes
Physical Properties
Format:Paperback / softback
Pages:80
Dimensions(mm): Height 248,Width 184
Category/GenreMilitary history
Second world war
ISBN/Barcode 9781472825070
ClassificationsDewey:623.7463
Audience
General
Professional & Vocational

Publishing Details

Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Imprint Osprey Publishing
Publication Date 21 February 2019
Publication Country United Kingdom

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.

Author Biography

Peter E. Davies has written or co-written nineteen books on modern American combat aircraft, including the standard reference work on US Navy and Marine Corps Phantom II operations, Gray Ghosts. He is based in Bristol, UK.