N class

The Goodyear Aerospace N‑Class was a series of experimental high‑altitude research aircraft produced in the early 1950s as part of the United States’ push toward advanced jet propulsion and stratospheric flight. Developed under a joint Air Force‑Goodyear contract, the N‑Class incorporated a lightweight magnesium alloy airframe, a unique tubular wing‑skin structure, and a pressure‑sealed cockpit that allowed pilots to operate above 60,000 feet without supplemental oxygen. Its powerplant, a Westinghouse J34‑W turbo‑jet coupled to a variable‑geometry intake, delivered 3,500 lb of thrust and enabled sustained supersonic cruise at Mach 1.3, a remarkable achievement for the era.

Key features included a semi‑monocoque fuselage with integrated fuel tanks, retractable split‑type landing gear, and an on‑board telemetry system that transmitted real‑time aerodynamic data to ground stations. The N‑Class served as a testbed for high‑altitude avionics, thermal‑ protection coatings, and the early concepts of “fly‑by‑wire” control.

Although only three prototypes were built before the program shifted to the more ambitious Goodyear YH‑47, the N‑Class contributed valuable insights that accelerated the development of modern high‑performance jet aircraft and informed the design of later reconnaissance and research platforms. Its legacy endures in today’s supersonic and near‑space flight technologies.

Goodyear Aerospace

Classification

Design & Classification