Updated 10 August 2019
Created by North American Aviation, this historic film shows the flight test program for the XB-70 Valkyrie at Edwards AFB in California including the first flight at supersonic speeds, and the various tests made prior to undertaking a flight at Mach 3.0 -- three times the speed of sound or 2200 miles an hour.
Note that the video publisher has not endorsed this article. The video is served directly by archive.org from this webpage. Please read archive.org's privacy and copyright policy. The opinions expressed may not reflect the opinion of this site.
There is very impressive footage of the Valkyrie in supersonic flight and a demonstration of the unique variable wing surfaces to reduce drag and improve stability. The screenshot below shows the wings at an almost fully downward position in preparation for a supersonic flight.
The documentary pointed out to the many manufacturing defects in the initial prototypes. Leaking hydraulics was a recurring theme through out the program. Other obvious quality issues included the white paint flicking off during supersonic flight.
Famously, AV-2 crashed due to a mid-air collision with a F-104 widow-maker. This YouTube video gives an excellent explanation of what the investigators believe caused both high-performance jets to collide.
Please note that youtube and the video publisher have not endorsed this article. The video is served directly by YouTube. Please read YouTube's privacy and copyright policy. The opinions expressed may not reflect the opinion of this site.
XB-70 on parked on ramp
XB-70 on runway tarmac
XB-70 Takeoff
XB-70 Takeoff rotation
XB-70 Valkyrie with Chase
XB-70 in Cruise Configuration
XB-70 level cruise flight
XB-70 Cockpit external
XB-70 Cockpit
XB-70 Ill-fated formation
Note that the image publisher has not endorsed this article. The images are linked to the originating source of the images, where known.
