What is a YB-49 bomber?

Prototype jet-powered flying wing military bomber. The Northrop YB-49 was a prototype jet-powered heavy bomber developed by Northrop Corporation shortly after World War II for service with the U.S. Air Force. The YB-49 featured a flying wing design and was a turbojet-powered development of the earlier, piston-engined Northrop XB-35 and YB-35.

What is the Northrop YB-49?

The Northrop YB-49 was an American prototype jet-powered heavy bomber developed by Northrop Corporation shortly after World War II for service with the United States Air Force. The YB-49 featured a flying wing design and was a turbojet -powered development of the earlier, piston-engined Northrop XB-35 and YB-35.

How long did it take to build the first YB-49?

The wings were fitted with four air dams extending forward from the vertical stabilizer to minimize the airflow down the swept wing (reducing lift) rather than over the wing. The completed aircraft were redesignated YB-49. The first aircraft conversion project took about two years and the aircraft was ready for flight testing in October 1947.

When was the last time the YRB 49a flew?

The sole prototype reconnaissance platform, the YRB-49A, first flew on 4 May 1950. After only 13 flights, testing ended abruptly on 26 April 1951. It was then flown back to Northrop’s headquarters from Edwards Air Force Base (formally Muroc) on what would be its last flight.