XB-70 Valkyrie
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XB-70 Valkyrie aircraft, that would fly at high altitudes at Mach 3, were conceived in principle North American in the 1950s.
XB-70 Valkyrie aircraft was built from titanium and stainless steel honeycomb panels. Its design took advantage of "compression lift." Compression lift occurs as
the aircraft is increasingly supported by its own sonic shock wave as speed increases. The aircraft had the ability to lower their wing tips up to 65 degrees to add high speed stability.
In 1955 the XB-70 Valkyrie design was originated.
In December of 1957 North American was awarded the contract for the development of the XB-70 Valkyrie.
In December of 1959 the USAF reduced the development program to a single XB-70 Valkyrie prototype.
In July of 1960 funding for the program was restored with an anticipated production of 12 aircraft.
On March 1, 1961, the program was reduced to two XB-70 Valkyrie prototypes and one operational prototype.
On September 21, 1964 the first XB-70 Valkyrie prototype took to the sky.
On July 17, 1965 the second prototype flew for the first time.
Missions of the XB-70 Valkyrie, both to and from the target, were to be flown at Mach 3 speeds and at very high altitudes.
With the advent of high flying, accurate, surface to air missiles, it was believed that even at such high speeds and
altitudes, the XB-70 Valkyrie, due to its lack of maneuverability, would be vulnerable. Another consideration was the large radar and exhaust signature of the aircraft. Its delta wing design did not allow for efficient low level flight.
The XB-70 Valkyrie carried all of its weapons internally to keep drag to a minimum while enabling Mach 3 flight. Its fuel capacity was similar to conventional bombers, but its range was about half as far.
On May 1, 1960, the USAF decided to change the mission of the XB-70 Valkyrie from reconnaissance-strike to advanced high speed aerodynamic research.
The first XB-70 Valkyrie had weaknesses in the honey comb construction, hydraulic leaks, and landing gear difficulties.
The second aircraft, flying for the first time on July 17, 1965, had resolved most of these problems.
During a photo shoot on June 8, 1966, the second XB-70 Valkyrie prototype collided with a chase plane. Both aircraft were lost.
The first XB-70 Valkyrie prototype made a total of 83 flights before being retired on Feb. 4, 1969.
Pictured above and in the picture immediately below is the XB-70 Valkyrie scratch built by Steve Manganelli. Wingspan is 36" and length is 58". Steve powers it with 3 x Wemotec mini fans. Weight is 85 oz.
In the next two pictures below is the fantastic XB-70 Valkyrie built by Jim of RC Groups. It weighs about 30 lbs. Wingspan is 67". The length is 111" and power is from 4 x HW 730's.
The final picture is of the XB-70 Valkyrie for sale by Easytiger and other retailers. It comes as a ARF or RTF including motor, EDF unit, and retractable landing gear. Wingspan is 31 1/2", length is 51", and weight is about 29 oz.
There once was a XB-70 Valkyrie electric pusher prop ARF for sale by a number of toy stores, but we haven't seen it recently. The XB-70 Valkyrie appears to have been more of a toy than for serious rc airplane pilots. We believe that it was of all foam construction.
Does anyone out there have a favorite XB-70 Valkyrie we should have on this page? Please email us if you do.
North American XB-70 Valkyrie
