N9MB Flying Wing Cockpit

[GregP]

Here is a p[ic of our Northrop N9MB Flying Wing cockpit. The N9MB was a 1/3 scale version of the XB-35 Flying Wing. It has a span of 180 feet and ours has a 60 foot span.

The control wheel is the same for both. The control wheel support hides many instruments, but not from the pilot!

View attachment 221854

 

[GregP]

Seems like a non-intersting subject ...

 

[evangilder]

Only if you've never seen the N9MB or know about its history. It's a neat airplane and a one of a kind. Here is how I usually see it.

 

[J dog]

cool do you know the speed? then how long did it take to build if you don't mind. thank you!

 

[evangilder]

They only built 4 of them, as testbeds for the flying wing bombers of the 1950s and 60s. The restoration of this one was close to 20 years. I am not sure what the speeds are of the aircraft, but I know that we were able to chase it down for a photo with a T-6 a few years ago. They weren't designed for speed or agility, but a proof of concept to show that flaperons and other control surfaces would work. Greg probably has more info on it that I do.

 

[johnbr]

Specifications (N-9M)

General characteristics
Crew: 1
Capacity: 1 observer (N9MB)
Length: 17 ft 9 in (5.4 m)
Wingspan: 60 ft 0 in (18.3 m)
Height: 6 ft 7 in (2 m)
Wing area: 490 sq ft (45.5 m2)
Airfoil: NACA 65-019
Empty weight: 5,893 lb (2,673 kg)
Gross weight: 13,946 lb (6,326 kg)
Powerplant: 2 × Menasco C6S-4 , 275 hp (205 kW) each (N-9MB) 2x Franklin XO-540-7, 260 hp each
Performance
Maximum speed: 258 mph (415 km/h; 224 kn)
Range: 500 mi (434 nmi; 805 km)
Service ceiling: 21,500 ft (6,553 m)

 

[GregP]

The N9MB has two Franklin flat 8 engines that make about 300 - 350 HP each. They are different from all other Franklins (exhaust ports on opposite sides).