The XB-70 Valkyrie, a supersonic aircraft developed by the US Air Force, has left a lasting impact on the world of aviation. First taking flight in 1964, the aircraft reached speeds of up to 3,218 km/h and served as an inspiration for later civil supersonic aircraft such as Concorde and Tupolev Tu-144.
The XB-70 Valkyrie was born out of a competition between Boeing and North American Aviation, with the US Air Force ultimately selecting it to develop a bomber capable of carrying weapons at high speeds and altitudes. However, political changes and the emergence of ballistic missiles led to a shift in the program towards high-speed flight research. The aircraft’s innovative design, featuring triangular wings and unique folding wingtips for reducing drag at supersonic speeds, influenced the development of future supersonic passenger planes like Concorde and Tupolev Tu-144.
Despite its advanced design and potential for a passenger transport version, the XB-70 program was cut short by a tragic accident in 1966. Two Valkyrie aircraft collided during a photo shoot, resulting in fatalities and the early end of the aircraft’s operational life. Nevertheless, its legacy lives on through the advancements it brought to supersonic flight technology and the inspiration it provided for future aircraft designs.
