Northrop YB-49

The Northrop YB‑49 was an experimental jet‑propelled flying wing developed in the United States during the late 1940s. Designed by Jack Northrop’s company, the aircraft evolved from the earlier YB‑35 piston‑engine flying wing, replacing the propellers with four Westinghouse J34‑22 turbojet engines buried within the wing’s thick central section. First flown on 24 October 1947, the YB‑49 demonstrated several revolutionary features: a tailless, all‑wing planform that eliminated conventional fuselage and tail surfaces, blended control surfaces that acted as elevons, and a sleek, low‑drag silhouette that promised high speed and long range. During its brief test program the prototype reached speeds above 560 mph, demonstrated stable flight at altitudes exceeding 40,000 ft, and proved the viability of pure jet propulsion for large, heavy aircraft. Although the program was cancelled in 1949 in favor of more conventional bombers, the YB‑49’s concepts directly influenced later designs, most notably the Northrop Grumman B‑2 Spirit stealth bomber and modern unmanned flying‑wing platforms. Its daring departure from traditional airframe architecture marked a pivotal moment in aviation history, showcasing the potential of flying‑wing configurations for both performance and stealth.

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