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Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center: Northrop P-61C Black Widow (wing), with yellow Northrop N-1M Flying Wing and Japanese Nakajima J1N1-S Gekko "IRVING"

Quoting Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum | Northrop N1M:

 

John K. "Jack" Northrop's dream of a flying wing became a reality on July 3, 1940, when his N-1M (Northrop Model 1 Mockup) first flew. One of the world's preeminent aircraft designers and creator of the Lockheed Vega and Northrop Alpha, Northrop had experimented with flying wings for over a decade, believing they would have less drag and greater efficiency than conventional designs. His 1929 flying wing, while successful, had twin tail booms and a conventional tail. In the N-1M he created a true flying wing.

 

Built of plywood around a tubular steel frame, the N-1M was powered by two 65-horsepower Lycoming engines, later replaced with two 120-horsepower Franklins. While its flying characteristics were marginal, the N-1M led to other designs, including the Northrop XB-35 and YB-49 strategic bombers and ultimately the B-2 stealth bomber.

 

Transferred from the United States Air Force.

 

Manufacturer:

Northrop Aircraft Inc.

 

Date:

1940

 

Country of Origin:

United States of America

 

Dimensions:

Wingspan: 11.6 m (38 ft)

Length: 5.2 m (17 ft)

Height: 1.5 m (5 ft)

Weight, gross: 1,814 kg (4,000 lb)

Top speed: 322 km/h (200 mph)

Engine: 2 Franklin 6AC264F2, 120 hp

Overall: 72in. (182.9cm)

Other: 72 x 204 x 456in. (182.9 x 518.2 x 1158.2cm)

 

Materials:

Overall: Plywood

 

Physical Description:

Twin engine flying wing: Wood, painted yellow.

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Uploaded on May 31, 2011
Taken on May 24, 2011