North American XB-70 Valkyrie

The North American XB-70 was a futuristic military aircraft concept created in the 1950s with a huge, white partially-folding delta wing, a fuselage resembling a striking cobra, and extraordinary performance. It was a strategic bomber built to outrun any Soviet fighter jet but was limited to its role as a nuclear bomber after the introduction of Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles. The Valkyrie had a brief, costly decade of life but proved the continuing value of developing manned bombers.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 80 pages
\n Publication date: 09 March 2018
\n Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
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The North American XB-70, a remarkable futuristic military aircraft concept from the 1950s, stands out as one of the most awe-inspiring. With its massive, white, partially-folding delta wing, striking cobra-like fuselage, and exceptional performance, it was a pinnacle of 20th-century technological achievement. Designed as a strategic bomber to outrun any Soviet fighter jet, the XB-70 could reach Mach 3 with a full nuclear payload, faster than the legendary SR-71 Blackbird but more than three times its size. However, its role as a nuclear bomber was limited after the introduction of Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs), leading to defense cuts and the project's eventual cancellation in the mid-1960s.

The Valkyrie, a brief but costly decade of existence, showcased the enduring value of developing manned bombers. While the XB-70's legacy endured, its predecessor, the B-52, continued to serve for nearly half a century. This comprehensive book delves into the full story of the ultimate US Cold War military X-plane, using stunning full-color artwork and rigorous analysis.

\n Weight: 262g\n
Dimension: 187 x 248 x 11 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781472825032\n \n