To: 12Gauge687
There were two US flying wing prototypes ... the YB35 was prop-driven, and the YB49 was a jet. Both had serious control problems (as did the much smaller German flying wings). They never went into production, and were scrapped.
The B2 solves the problem with computer control to overcome the inherent instability.
The film "The War of the Worlds" contained some footage (probably stock) of YB49 "in action" against the Martians.
20 posted on
02/12/2009 2:31:37 PM PST by
ArrogantBustard
(Western Civilization is Aborting, Buggering, and Contracepting itself out of existence.)
To: ArrogantBustard
21 posted on
02/12/2009 2:56:58 PM PST by
JoeProBono
(A closed mouth gathers no feet)
To: ArrogantBustard; 12Gauge687
On other problem was the B-35 (Like Covvair's B-36) was designed in 1942 for the role of bombing Germany from continental US. For that role it was the better design (same payload in an aircraft 2/3 the size)
But it carried the load on eight bombbays (6 in the B-49) spread along the wing - none more than 2' deep. OK when a lot of little bombs are being carried, but for a single bomb 5' in diameter, not the best solution
24 posted on
02/12/2009 4:37:15 PM PST by
Oztrich Boy
( As for a future life, every man must judge for himself between conflicting vague probabilities. - D)
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