From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
| XB-70 Valkyrie | ||
|---|---|---|
 Larger version | ||
| Description | ||
| Role | Bomber prototype | |
| Crew | ||
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 185 ft 10 in | 56.6 m |
| (with boom) | 192 ft 2 in | 58.6 m |
| Wingspan | 105 ft | 32 m |
| Height | 30 ft 9 in | 9.4 m |
| Wing area | ||
| Weights | ||
| Empty | ||
| Loaded | 534,700 lb | 243 t |
| Maximum take-off | ||
| Powerplant | ||
| Engines | 6 GE YJ-93 | |
| Power | ||
| Performance | ||
| Maximum speed | 2,056 mi/h at 73,000 ft | 3300 km/h at 22250 m |
| Operating range | 4,288 mi | 7900 km |
| Service ceiling | 77,350 ft | 23600 m |
| Rate of climb | ||
| Armament | ||
| N/A | ||
The North American XB-70 "Valkyrie" was conceived for the Strategic Air Command in the 1950s as a high-altitude bomber that could fly three times the speed of sound (Mach 3). Because of funding limitations, only two were built, not as bombers, but as research aircraft for the advanced study of aerodynamics, propulsion, and other subjects related to large supersonic aircraft. The Valkyrie was built largely of stainless-steel honeycomb sandwich panels and titanium. It was designed to make use of a phenomenon called "compression lift," achieved when the shock wave generated by the airplane flying at supersonic speeds supports part of the airplane's weight. For improved stability at supersonic speeds, the Valkyrie could droop its wingtips as much as 65 degrees.
The first XB-70 made its maiden flight on September 21, 1964. The second airplane first flew on July 17, 1965, but on June 8, 1966, it crashed following a mid-air collision during a photo op performance. The first plane continued its research program until February 4, 1969 when it was flown to the U.S. Air Force Museum.
Specifications
Performance
Original contents of this page copied from USAF Museum web site.
