Product Description
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PRODUCT DETAILS The North American XB-70 Valkyrie was a
long range strategic nuclear bomber designed for the United
States Air Force's Strategic Air Command. With research and
development studies beginning in 1955, the XB-70 was slated to
replace the B-52 Stratofortress. It was designed to be a large,
high altitude bomber with six engines to fly at Mach 3 to avoid
defending interceptors, the only effective anti-bomber weapon at
the time. Although a technology breakthrough in 1957 made Mach 3
possible, the XB-70 never entered production. As in the B-58
Hustler program, the Air Force wanted new technology advances in
the new aircraft and gave the prime contractor total weapon
system responsibility. Boeing and North American competed for the
contract, and in 1958 the North American design was chosen. The
Air Force required for a high altitude, long range bomber capable
of carrying nuclear and conventional weapons. The XB-70 was
fabricated using titanium and brazed stainless steel honeycomb
materials to withstand the heating during the sustained high Mach
number portions of the flights. It was capable of carrying both
conventional and nuclear weapons internally, but due to its
design and Mach 3 mission profile, it could not carry external
ornce. The first XB-70 had its maiden flight on September 21,
1964. It was found to suffer from weaknesses in the honeycomb
construction, mainly due to inexperience with fabrication and
quality control of this new material. It was also troubled by
hydraulic leaks, fuel leaks and problems with the complicated
landing gear. On the third test flight, the XB-70 reached
supersonic speeds. In the following flight, it flew past Mach 1
for 40 minutes. It was able to go at higher speeds in subsequent
flights, obtaining Mach 2.14 and Mach 3.02. The second XB-70 was
selected for the National Sonic Boom Program to measure the
response to sonic booms. It reached Mach 3.05 at 72,000 feet on
the first sonic boom test. On June 8, 1966, after a photo shoot
with four other aircraft, Valkyrie number two was involved in a
mid-air collision. The first aircraft continued research, making
33 more flights before its retirement.
From the Manufacturer
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The North American XB-70 Valkyrie was a long range
strategic nuclear bomber designed for the United States Air
Force's Strategic Air Command. With research and development
studies beginning in 1955, the XB-70 was slated to replace the
B-52 Stratofortress. It was designed to be a large, high altitude
bomber with six engines to fly at Mach 3 to avoid defending
interceptors, the only effective anti-bomber weapon at the time.
Although a technology breakthrough in 1957 made Mach 3 possible,
the XB-70 never entered production. As in the B-58 Hustler
program, the Air Force wanted new technology advances in the new
aircraft and gave the prime contractor total weapon system
responsibility. Boeing and North American competed for the
contract, and in 1958 the North American design was chosen. The
Air Force required for a high altitude, long range bomber capable
of carrying nuclear and conventional weapons. The XB-70 was
fabricated using titanium and brazed stainless steel honeycomb
materials to withstand the heating during the sustained high Mach
number portions of the flights. It was capable of carrying both
conventional and nuclear weapons internally, but due to its
design and Mach 3 mission profile, it could not carry external
ornce.
- Scale: 1/150.
- Handcrafted by a series of master craftsmen using only the highest grade materials.
- Each product is identical to the plane’s original blueprint.
- Truly a fusion of art and history, a museum quality masterpiece unmatched by another model producing company on earth.
- The perfect gift for any aviation enthusiast, history buff, personnel, or collector.