XB70 Valkyrie

Messy1 · Dec 29, 2011

T Bolt said:
I remember the first time I saw the Valkyrie. I was just out of collage, at the Air Force Museum for the first time. I was wondering around in daze caused by the sight of all those aircraft, taking pictures, and realized that where I was standing was a lot darker than the surrounding hanger. I looked up to see I was standing under the Valkyrie's engines and hadn't realized it. What an unbelievable aircraft!

I understand how you feel. Walking through the lobby of the SAC Museum, you walk underneath a SR-71! Still gives me goosebumps thinking about being so close that jet! Awesome! You really feel puny walking under that plane, I am guessing more so with the Valkyrie!

evangilder · Dec 29, 2011

The one that REALLY makes you feel puny is the B-36 in the AF museum.

T Bolt · Dec 29, 2011

It's hard to get a good picture of it now that they've moved it to the experimental hanger. More light in there, but you can't get a picture of the whole thing. Took this shot last year and it still looks like something futuristic. I'll have to scan my old 35mm prints from when it was in the main hanger.

Wayne Little · Dec 30, 2011

Awesome pics Eric...and that shot of yours Glenn

Edgar Brooks · Dec 30, 2011

Years ago, I talked to a man who worked on the aircraft, and he told me that it was known as the "Jesus Plane," since that was the usual reaction to its size, and it was also the saviour of the company.

vikingBerserker · Dec 30, 2011

Great pic Glenn!

wheelsup_cavu · Jan 1, 2012

Cool picture Glen.

Wheels

T Bolt · Jan 2, 2012

I found those old 35mm prints and scanned a few. Even when it was in the big hanger it was hard to get a shot of the whole thing. These pics will give you an idea if the size of it.

Matt308 · Jan 2, 2012

Fookin' 'ell!!!!! What a wonder. I had an opportunity to visit, but work took me away. Curse me.

Aaron Brooks Wolters · Jan 2, 2012

Stupendous photos guys!!!!! Thank you for sharing!

evangilder · Jan 2, 2012

Yeah, with the exception of Glenn's photos, it is difficult to get an idea of the size of the Valkyrie. At 189' long with a wing span of 105', it is huge. But the height (30') is what really makes it look enormous.

jipi · Jan 3, 2012

Thanks to all for these great pictures.

davebender · Jan 11, 2012

The B-36 is huge too. Walking underneath those monsters at the USAF museum was a great experience.

Gixxerman · Jan 11, 2012

The museum in Ohio(?) is one of my must see places.
The big shame. for me at least, is that none of the YB49s survived.
I'd dearly love to see one of those in the metal.

Capt. Vick · Jan 11, 2012

Gixxerman said:
The big shame. for me at least, is that none of the YB49s survived.
I'd dearly love to see one of those in the metal.

Amen Brother! Speak the truth!

T Bolt · Jan 11, 2012

The B-35s and B-49s lined up, and the reason there are none at the Air Force Museum. The Secretary of Defense at the time (can't recall his name) wanted Northrop to merge with General Dynamics. When Jack Northrop refused the B-49 contract was canceled and Northrop was ordered to cut them all up. Very unusual that at least one wasn't saved for the Air Force Museum which was standard practice at the time. Dirty politics is nothing new.

Matt308 · Jan 11, 2012

Gnomey · Jan 12, 2012

Real shame to see them like that

Messy1 · Jan 12, 2012

X's two Gnomey!

Gixxerman · Jan 13, 2012

I just don't get why they do that sometimes.
Everbody's flying wings had major problems with stability in flight until computers fly-by-wire came good for them, so why were they seen as such a threat to be wiped away so totally?

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