YB-49 Crash Site

November 22nd 2017





Summery :

 The Northrop YB-49 was a turbojet-powerd massive tailless flying wing design heavy bomber. It was converted from piston engine YB-35 test aircraft.
This YB-49 (#42-102368) was the second airplane of only 2 converted to jet-powered prototypes.
On June 5, 1948, it was on a routine test flight when it broke apart in the air, likely due to heavy loads imposed on the airframe from an attempt to recover control following a stall, and exploded on impact.
All 5 crew members were killed.


    
Description



Manufacturer:
Northrop Corporation
Base model:
YB-35
Designation System:
U.S. Air Force
Designation Period:
1947-1950 (USAF)
Basic role:
Strategic bomber
Serial Number:
42-102368
Year built:
1942
Crash Date:
6/5/48
Cause of Crash:
Broke apart in the air
Fatalities:
5




Specifications



Length:
53' 1" 16.18 m
Height:
15' 2" 4.60 m
Wingspan:
172' 0" 52.43 m
Wingarea:
4000 sq ft 371.60 sq m
Empty Weight:
88,442 lb 40,116 kg
Max Takeoff Weight:
193,938 lb 87,969 kg





Propulsion



No. of Engines:
8
Powerplant:
Allison J35-A-15 turbojets
Thrust:
4,000 lbf





Performance



Max Speed:
493 mph 793 km/h
Ceiling:
45,700 ft 13,900 m





Number built:
2


    
Other YB-49 Link :
 Wikipedia Link : Northrop YB-49
    



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