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The Northrop YB-49 was a prototype jet-powered flying wing medium bomber aircraft developed by Northrop for the United States Air Force shortly after World War II. It was a development of the piston-engined YB-35, and the two YB-49s actually built were both converted YB-35 test aircraft. The aircraft was never to enter production, however, being passed over in favor of the more conventional Convair B-36 in service.
In September 1948, the Air Force ordered the type into production as the RB-49A reconnaissance aircraft, which was powered by six engines, two externally mounted in pods. This contract was cancelled two months later. By this time it was clear other aircraft could handle the job, including the upcoming B-52 and the advanced B-47 which had entered Phase II testing. The main strategic bomber contracts fell to the Convair B-36 Peacemaker and the importance that the USAF placed on this program, effectively doomed the Northrop flying wings. During early 1950 the remaining YB-35B jet conversions of the B-35 aircraft were scrapped.
Flight testing of the remaining YB-49 prototype ended 14 March 1950. On 15 March 1950, the program was cancelled completely, and coincidentally, the prototype suffered a high speed taxiing accident and was totally destroyed in the ensuing fire.
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Northrop YB-49 - Desktop Nexus AircraftDownload free wallpapers and background images: Northrop YB-49 . Desktop Nexus Aircraft background ID 115219. The Northrop YB-49 was a prototype jet-powered flying wing medium bomber aircraft developed by Northrop for the United States Air Force shortly after World War II. It was a development of the piston-engined YB-35, and the two YB-49s actually built were both converted YB-35 test aircraft. The aircraft was never to enter production, however, being passed over in favor of the more conventional Convair B-36 in service.
In September 1948, the Air Force ordered the type into production as the RB-49A reconnaissance aircraft, which was powered by six engines, two externally mounted in pods. This contract was cancelled two months later. By this time it was clear other aircraft could handle the job, including the upcoming B-52 and the advanced B-47 which had entered Phase II testing. The main strategic bomber contracts fell to the Convair B-36 Peacemaker and the importance that the USAF placed on this program, effectively doomed the Northrop flying wings. During early 1950 the remaining YB-35B jet conversions of the B-35 aircraft were scrapped.
Flight testing of the remaining YB-49 prototype ended 14 March 1950. On 15 March 1950, the program was cancelled completely, and coincidentally, the prototype suffered a high speed taxiing accident and was totally destroyed in the ensuing fire.
Rating: 4.7
I heard that one of these made a flight into the Pacific and returned by a different route. The military defense radar never saw it coming. Politics killed the program.
Total Downloads: 1,645
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Uploaded By: Tigerkaetzchen
Date Uploaded: June 22, 2009
Filename: YB49-2_300.jpg
Original Resolution: 1600x1200
File Size: 226.67KB
Category: Military