Today we take a closer look at the
XB-35 history. As it became clear to the air force that the future lay in jet propelled bombers, it was decided to convert some of the
XB-35’s and put jet engines on them.
The new plane was named YB-49. It proved to be as prone to faults as its predecessor. The fact that none of the airframe, which was designed for a propeller driven wing, was changed must have contributed greatly to this. Nonetheless the plane did fly, and what a sight it must have been.
Version YRB-49A had 6 engines, notice the ones mounted under the wing. It was intended as a reconnaissance plane. During test flights radar operators noticed that the plane had a low radar signature.
In the end all the XB-35 and XB-45 was scrapped.
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B-49 Flying WingNorthrop YB-49Photos taken from:
Northrop YB-49Photographs are courtesy U.S. Navy and U.S. Federal Government.