The North American Aviation XB-70 Valkyrie is a retired prototype version of the planned B-70 nuclear-armed, deep-penetration supersonic strategic bomber for the United States Air Force Strategic Air Command.

Conceived in the 1950s as an intercontinental strategic nuclear bomber, the futuristic Valkyrie instead became a unique test aircraft in the 1960s. Higher and Faster: B-70 Bomber Concept.

Feb 28, 2014 · Two experimental XB-70A prototypes were under construction at North American Aviation when the program was canceled. At the same time there was growing interest in an American supersonic transport (SST). Jet airliners had cut flight times by more than half in comparison to propeller-powered aircraft.

Aug 29, 2024 · T he North American Aviation XB-70 Valkyrie was a planned supersonic strategic bomber replacement for the Boeing B-52 Stratofortress and the Corvair B-58 Hustler. The United States Air Force required a bomber that would fly faster and higher than the B-52 and could also evade interceptor aircraft.

Mach 3 Legend: The North American XB-70 Valkyrie First flown more than fourty years ago, the XB-70 Valkyrie was a technological masterpiece of its time. With the help of the latest technology it could cruise at speeds of up to Mach 3 and heights of up to 77 000 ft (23 km).

Mar 2, 2020 · Learn all about the history and development of the North American XB-70 Valkyrie, the Mach 3 beauty that led a star-crossed life.

Jan 11, 2025 · The XB-70 Valkyrie, designed by North American Aviation, was their answer. The aircraft’s specifications were staggering: A maximum speed of Mach 3.1 (approximately 2,056 mph or 3,310 km/h). A cruising altitude of 70,000 feet, well above the reach of …

The North American XB-70 Valkyrie was conceived as a strategic long-range bomber, capable of reaching speeds exceeding Mach 3 (approximately 2,300 mph or 3,700 km/h) and cruising at altitudes beyond 70,000 feet (approximately 21,300 meters).

Oct 11, 2019 · The North American Aviation XB-70 Valkyrie was an experimental supersonic heavy bomber. Originally intended as a replacement for the B-52, the program was cancelled and only two planes were built. The XB-70 instead became an important research vehicle for studying supersonic flight.

Originally conceived as a supersonic bomber, the North American XB-70A Valkyrie instead became the world's largest experimental research aircraft, flying from September 21, 1964, until February 4, 1969.