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tiktaalik
26th of February 2006 (Sun), 19:34
The N-9MB was flying at the Palm Springs Air Museum yesterday.

The N9M flying wings were test and prototype aircraft built in the 1940s prior to the large YB35 and YB49 flying wing bombers. Four were built and all but one were destroyed or chopped into firewood. This one has been restored to flying condition.

It did smoke a bit at first, though.

http://www.pbase.com/ladycrumb/image/56570547/medium.jpg

But got airborne soon enough.

http://www.pbase.com/ladycrumb/image/56570546/medium.jpg

The colors are original. The reason why the top and bottom are different colors is to let observers know which side of the plane is on top. It is a bit difficult to see which side is which!

http://www.pbase.com/ladycrumb/image/56569144/medium.jpg

Sadly, the larger bombers were destroyed in a rather cruel and viscious manner. But before their destruction, people had started to notice that they were very difficult to pick up on radar. Strangely enough, some AF high brass thought that was a drawback to the design...:rolleyes:

http://www.pbase.com/ladycrumb/image/56569143/medium.jpg

I love flying wings.

http://www.pbase.com/ladycrumb/image/56569142/medium.jpg

Julie
CyberDyneSystems
26th of February 2006 (Sun), 19:42
Great shots of an amazing craft...

I've never seen this diminutive version of the flying wings.. only the beastly huge bombers you mention.

The first two shots it looks almost comical at that "single seat" scale.. but the third shot.. the head on shot,.. the scale is lost and it looks nearly identical to the big bombers... very imposing!

Lovely shots and http://members.bellatlantic.net/~vze2hdzu/pics/potnwelcome.gif to the forums :)
Skip Souza
26th of February 2006 (Sun), 19:45
Welcome to POTN Julie.
I too love flying wings. These photos are way cool. Thanks for posting. #3 shows just how sneaky the little devils can be :-)
tiktaalik
26th of February 2006 (Sun), 19:46
Thanks for the comments and welcome, CyberDyneSystems!
:)

Edit: And thanks too to Skip :)

Julie
Merlin Driver
26th of February 2006 (Sun), 23:04
Well done Julie, do you know who was driving it?

TIA,

Lynn
PhotosGuy
27th of February 2006 (Mon), 07:49
That's one I've never seen before! Thanks for the nice shots of it!
And...
tiktaalik
27th of February 2006 (Mon), 07:58
Lynn,
I'm afraid I didn't catch the pilot's name. The plane itself 'lives' at the Chino Planes of Fame Museum. It will be flying again at the Chino air show in May.

Frank,
Thanks for the comments and the welcome!

Julie
Merlin Driver
27th of February 2006 (Mon), 15:06
Thank you Julie.......
GyRob
27th of February 2006 (Mon), 15:12
love it and a great capture there.
Rob.
Ferco
29th of July 2006 (Sat), 10:35
wow that is an awomse shot of an awsome craft... nice one!!! i've always wonted to see one of these in real life... still holding out...
malla1962
30th of July 2006 (Sun), 14:40
Cool plane.:D
Jon Foster
30th of July 2006 (Sun), 15:01
Nice shots.

Jon.