Talyn
Emissary
The North American XB-70 is a high-altitude, Mach 3-capable nuclear bomber that could outrun and outfly any known threat. The aircraft was developed by North American Aviation, the same company behind the P-51 Mustang and the F-86 Sabre. XB-70s were intended to replace the aging B-52 Stratofortress and the B-58 Hustler.
The XB-70 was envisioned as the centerpiece of Strategic Air Command’s future fleet. Its speed and altitude would render it nearly invulnerable to Soviet interceptors and radar-guided missiles. At Mach 3 and 70,000 feet, the aircraft would be able to deliver nuclear payloads deep into enemy territory and escape before retaliation could be organized. This concept was rooted in Cold War deterrence theory, where survivability and speed were paramount.
athlonoutdoors.com
On June 8, 1966, AV-2 was involved in a GE promotional flight over the Mojave Desert. During close formation flying, a NASA F-104N Starfighter piloted by Joe Walker collided with the XB-70’s wingtip, likely due to wake turbulence. The impact destroyed both vertical stabilizers, sending the Valkyrie into an uncontrollable spin.
The accident highlighted the dangers of experimental flight and formation flying, and further weakened the program. AV-1 continued limited research flights until its retirement in February 1969. It now resides at the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton, Ohio.
The X-Plane display at the USAF National Museum in Ohio.
The XB-70 was envisioned as the centerpiece of Strategic Air Command’s future fleet. Its speed and altitude would render it nearly invulnerable to Soviet interceptors and radar-guided missiles. At Mach 3 and 70,000 feet, the aircraft would be able to deliver nuclear payloads deep into enemy territory and escape before retaliation could be organized. This concept was rooted in Cold War deterrence theory, where survivability and speed were paramount.
America's Cold War Supersonic Marvel — The XB-70 Valkyrie
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athlonoutdoors.com
On June 8, 1966, AV-2 was involved in a GE promotional flight over the Mojave Desert. During close formation flying, a NASA F-104N Starfighter piloted by Joe Walker collided with the XB-70’s wingtip, likely due to wake turbulence. The impact destroyed both vertical stabilizers, sending the Valkyrie into an uncontrollable spin.
The accident highlighted the dangers of experimental flight and formation flying, and further weakened the program. AV-1 continued limited research flights until its retirement in February 1969. It now resides at the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton, Ohio.
The X-Plane display at the USAF National Museum in Ohio.
