This Day in Aviation History

September 21st, 1964
First flight of the North American XB-70 Valkyrie.

The North American Aviation XB-70 Valkyrie was the prototype of the B-70 nuclear-armed, deep-penetration strategic bomber for the Strategic Air Command of the U.S. Air Force. In the 1950s, the North American Aviation company designed the Valkyrie bomber as a large, six-engine aircraft capable of reaching Mach 3+ while flying at 70,000 feet (21,000 m); these speed and altitude capabilities would allow the evasion of interceptor aircraft, the only effective weapon against bomber aircraft at the time.

In 1961, improved, high-altitude surface-to-air missiles (SAMs), the U.S. Air Force’s doctrinal change to low-level penetration bombing, the large development costs of the B-70 program, and the introduction of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) to the U.S. nuclear arsenal….

Wikipedia, North American XB-70 Valkyrie: http://buff.ly/XeGNgq

YouTube, Discovery Channel Wings North American Xb 70 Valkyrie: http://buff.ly/XeGKRC

Don’t forget to Like, Comment and Share!
For more content like this. Please follow me at +Gazing Skyward Tv

#avgeek #aviation #history