Flying Wing

Northrop B-2 Spirit

Jack Northrop who started Northrop Corporation did a lot of work on the flying wing.  Early on it was discovered that the idea would fly, so to speak.  But when it was put into practice there were some stability problems which put an undue workload on the pilot.  The YB-35 was an example.  During the testing of that aircraft it was noted that it had low visibility on radar but the fact was just filed away overshadowed by the stability problems.

Fly By Wire, aka computer controlled flight, when applied to the flying wing concept yielded the B-2.  It is naturally stealthy even before the radar absorbent coating is applied.  

Northrop B-2 Spirit

  The bomber is virtually invisible to radar and is a USAF front line weapon.  

The one on display at the NMUSAF is a "mockup"  Before actually building a plane they build a full scale model as part of development.  It has never flown. 

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