Warbird Information Exchange

Would the "Flying flapjack" be the first "Lifting body" airfoil to be built? (like the x-24)

Without getting into a bout of semantics with anyone (where does a flapjack end and a flying wing start), the Vought designs are technically low aspect ratio aircraft, not flying wings. The primary intent of the Vought aircraft was to test low aspect ratio handling qualities, the the V-173 was renowned for its slow speed flying abilities. The flying wings are not noted for their slow speed handling qualities, primarily because the elevators decamber the wing when pitching up for high angles of attack- the wing loses lift at that point. Not good for slow speed takeoffs and landings.

Northrop YB-35 flying in formation with B-17G 44-6935, which was assigned to Edwards as a support aircraft. Northrop publicity photo, taken May 1948.
[url][URL=http://s1344.photobucket.com/user/daviemax/media/YB-35%20with%2044-6935/46935E123_zpsa303723b.jpg.html][/url][/url]

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Daviemax
Researcher of Post-War B-17 History
Maintains database of B-17s used from 46- on.

Don't forget the Northrop X-4...not a flying wing, but close--a semi-tailless research aircraft much like the DH 108 Swallow and the Me-163. It has just been restored (cosmetically) and put into the USAF test-flight museum at Edwards after suffering decades of mishandling by Air Force Academy cadets, where it was on display.

...a nice historic video project of the Horton 229. A Project of Northrop-Grumman. National Geographic special. c. 2012. Via Flypast Forum.

p.s yes it had stealth tech in 1944!!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=pl ... aJzKjtjZnY

So true! I was lucky enough to see it fly around 2000 when it came to the air show at Gillespie Field in El Cajon, CA.