North American XB-70 Valkyrie, X-Planes 7, Osprey

Of the many futuristic military aircraft concepts created in the 1950s the North American XB-70 still stands out as the most awe-inspiring. With its huge, white partially-folding delta wing, its fuselage resembling a striking cobra, and its extraordinary performance, it was one of the foremost technological achievements of the 20th Century.

A strategic bomber built to outrun any Soviet fighter jet, it could reach Mach 3 with a full nuclear payload--as fast as the legendary SR-71 Blackbird but more than three times the size. However, its role as a nuclear bomber was limited after the introduction of Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles, and defense cuts eventually led to the project being scrapped in the mid-1960s.

The Valkyrie had a brief, costly decade of life but it proved the continuing value of developing manned bombers. Using full color artwork and rigorous analysis, this is the complete story of the ultimate US Cold War military X-plane.

Contents:

• Introduction
• Bomber Battles: The White House and SAC
• Building a Legend
• Triple Mach
• Under Threat
• Achievements and Potential Developments
• Further Reading
• Index

Author: Peter E. Davies

Publisher: Osprey publishing

Description: 80 pages, Paperback, 247 X 184 mm.

Condition: NEW COPY

Shipping weight: 340 gr.