Xb 70 ejection. Like other airplanes of its era, it was full of analog, dials, and gauges and so, every pilot knows that there's uh a kind of a habit, a system of scanning the instruments to make sure that everything's okay. Carl Cross (XB-70 co-pilot) was killed while Al White (XB-70 pilot) ejected, sustaining serious injuries, including one arm crushed by the closing clamshell-like escape capsule moments prior to ejection. Mar 4, 2024 · Initially the XB-70A-1 had a manually operated AICS, while the XB-70A-2 had a computerized one, but the XB-70A-1 received a computerized one before beginning test flights. F-111/B-1 style cabin ejection, see Space Shuttle abort modes. America was in a truly terrified, frenzied state. Read more about this topic: Escape Crew Capsule On the Convair B-58 Hustler and North American XB-70 these Bombers were equipped with individual crew escape capsules. Stanley and Convair developed the fully enclosed crew capsule, a folding egg-shell-like system to replace conventional ejection seats. May 9, 2025 · The North American XB-70 Valkyrie, a Cold War-era bomber, was a technological marvel designed to fly at Mach 3 and at 70,000 feet, circumventing Soviet air defenses through speed and altitude. Al White, a NAA test pilot shown above, was saved by one of the capsules during the infamous mid-air collision mishap. #RCSF Dec 9, 2015 · The incredible story of how a paperclip avoided the loss of an XB-70 Valkyrie. To achieve Mach 3 performance, the XB-70 was designed to “ride” its own shock wave, much as a surfer rides an ocean wave. XB-70 escape capsule sled test The Stanley B-58 Encapsulated Seat was an advanced crew protection system designed for very high windblast ejections. He died in the crash. 0-capable jet never entered production. The Early on, however, there were plans to follow the B-58 with a much more capable supersonic bomber, the "B-70 Valkyrie", but only two XB-70 prototypes were built. Apr 2, 2010 · The Convair B-58 originally went into service in 1960 with standard ejection seats, but the possibility of ejecting at supersonic speeds and at extreme high altitude meant the crewman stood little chance of surviving these extreme conditions. Six engines, a flight Oct 27, 2023 · The B-58 Hustler and XB-70 Valkyrie had individual encapsulated seats. The pilot of the chase plane and the first officer on the XB-70 were killed. Apr 23, 2019 · XB-70 222 had undergone a night of preflight checks by flight test ground support. Before closing the doors, the pilot had to retract into the capsule and pull in Because they were intended to fly too high and fast for safe use of conventional ejection seats, the Bell X-2, B-58 Hustler, XB-70 Valkyrie, F-111 and B‑1A Lancer all used enclosed escape crew capsules of some kind. The one on display here at the National Museum Of The United States Air Force is the only one Valkyrie Ejection Seat What Happened To The Xb-70 Xb-70 Valkyrie Escape Capsule XB-70 Valkyrie Escape Capsule; The Ejection Site clamshell ejection seat | The Ejection Site Home With such high-speed aircraft such as the SR-71, XB-70, B-58, and fighters like the F-4, F-15, F-14, etc. This contract included a requirement for a crew escape system which would be effective over the entire flight profile and which would be compatible with a n shirt sleeve" operating environment' The B-70 air Just ask the late, great Doug Benefield -How did the escape capsule work - in particular how did it avoid dismembering the crew member? How similar was the ejection capsule on the F111? I have always been haunted by the story in the early to mid eighties of the RAF Lighting pilot being when the guillotine on his ejection seat misfired and instead of cutting his seat straps took his head off Jun 9, 2025 · The futuristic XB-70A Valkyrie was capable of flying at Mach 3 and 22 kilometers altitude to deliver a nuclear strike on Moscow and return within 90 minutes, but the entire project met its tragic end during a photoshoot for an engine advertisement On the 8th June 1966, XB-70 prototype 002 crashed 17 Miles northeast of Barstow, California, near Edwards AFB after colliding in mid-air with a civil F-104 Starfighter during a photo shoot. Air Force's Strategic Air Command. a Jun 8, 2021 · Al White put his seat in position for ejection, which in the XB-70 occurred in an ejection capsule, and managed to save himself with injuries to his spine and arms. Image Strategic bomber XB-70 "Valkyrie" The first XB-70A in the assembly shop Image A special lift was used to board the crew in the XB-70A cockpit. Jun 7, 2020 · Of the many futuristic military aircraft concepts created in the 1950s, the North American XB-70 still stands out as the most awe-inspiring. With its futuristic Feb 28, 2014 · The XB-70 Valkyrie, with a planned cruise speed of Mach 3 and operating altitude of 70,000 feet, was to be the ultimate high-altitude, high-speed manned strategic bomber. [8] In an unusual test program, live bears and chimpanzees were successfully used to test the ejection system. The XB-70 pilot, Al White, ejected, sustaining serious injuries, including the crushing of his arm by the closing clamshell-like escape crew capsule moments just before ejection. The XB-70 was, in essence, a technological leap into the future of aerospace. National Museum of the U. Air Force moved the North American XB-70 Valkyrie into the museum’s new fourth building on Oct. It seems inconceivable that Jo Walker with Jun 8, 2022 · At Edwards, NASA and the Air Force were flying the fast movers such as the X-15, the XB-70, and the F-111. . The plane's gargantuan size, its six engines, its capabilities and cost It's a cool and amazing technological feat, but at the same time it's nearly impossible not think about what kind of society produced it and why. Very large model measures over 31 inches in length when assembled and features highly detailed cockpit and ejection seat escape system, landing gear and gear wells and YJ-93 Turbojet engines with afterburners. The capsule would float, and the crewmember could open the clamshell, using it as a life raft. S. The Mach 3 XB-70's two crew escape capsules did not work well the only time they were needed. Maj. Apr 2, 2016 · I can’t say if the XB-70 Valkyrie was the coolest airplane ever built, but I figure it has to be in the top 5 at least. Unusually, the ejection systems was tested with live bears and chimpanzees. This document describes the rise and fall of the B-58 and XB-70. Escape types There are two ways to do this: Ejecting individual crew capsules (one for each pilot/crew member) or "capsule ejection" Ejecting the entire crew cabin, or "cabin ejection" Some examples of U. The concept was to completely protect the crewman against all environmental issues including depressurization and windblast as well as provide an excellent source of survival gear and even shelter. On Apr. Image The chase plane flipped over and collided with the XB-70. In an unusual test program, live bears and chimpanzees were successfully used to test the ejection system. Al White functions well, yanking his ejector seat rearward into the capsule where he is able to slam his clamshell doors shut over the ejector seat, but not without a struggle that shatters his right arm in the closing door just before he is rocketed out The pilots had specially designed ejection capsules with clamshell doors for protection from the Mach 3 air blast. Yea, the XB-70 was impressive, fast, zip fuels; a real SR-71 of a bomber. One notable ejection involving the Stanley capsules was the loss of XB-70 prototype No 2 on 8 June, 1966 near Barstow, CA. The XB-70 carried about 178,000 liters of JP-6 fuel that weighed about 136 tons, which represented 60% of the maximum takeoff weight. The North American Aviation XB-70 Valkyrie was the prototype of the B-70 nuclear-armed, deep-penetration strategic bomber for the U. North American pilot Al White ejected from the XB-70A, but was badly injured. North American solved the problem by repainting AV-1 with a thinner coat. atmospheric The Air had concluded by that point research that aircraft, the XB-70 these program should be turned over tothan NASA annoying; as soon as on possible. This was an ejection seat with a two piece clamshell covering which came together to protect the aircrewman against the extremes of altitude and airspeed that the XB-70 Valkyrie could reach. Learn about the safety features and design of this military aircraft escape system. Well, think of that job inside the XB seventy. Technicians and engineers were busy making last minute checks while the big fuel trucks topped off the tanks for today’s flight. 27, 2015. Extendable booms will protrude aft to make you safely aerodynamically stable, and airbags will assure that your landing will be safe and comfortable! May 7, 2018 · The North American XB-70 Valkyrie was the largest and fastest bomber ever built by the United States, but the massive six-engine Mach 3. During a formation flight of several other aircraft with the XB-70 for a General Electric photo shoot, an NF-104 collided with the starboard wing and tailfin of the XB-70 and disintegrated in flames, killing NASA test pilot What You Need to Know: The North American XB-70 Valkyrie epitomized Cold War aerospace innovation. The F-111 used cabin ejection where both side-by-side seats were in a single 3000 lb (1360 kg) capsule. B-58 Crewmember Escape Capsule Aug 16, 2025 · XB-70 Valkyrie Bomber: From Mach 3 to Failure In the late 1950s, the North American XB-70 Valkyrie looked like it had been ripped straight out of the pages of a science fiction comic book. The pilots had specially designed ejection capsules with clamshell doors for protection from the Mach 3 air blast. Designed in the late 1950s by North American Aviation (NAA) to replace the B-52 Stratofortress and B-58 Hustler, [2] the six-engine, delta-winged Valkyrie [3] could cruise for thousands NASA Chief Test Pilot Joe Walker (F-104 pilot) and Carl Cross (XB-70 co-pilot) were killed, while Al White (XB-70 pilot) ejected, sustaining serious injuries, including one arm being crushed as it was caught in the clamshell-like escape capsule as it closed around him just before ejection from the aircraft. 70 weapon system became an active project late in 1957 when North American Aviation was given a contract for development and fabrication of air vehicles. In case you were wondering what a “Valkyrie” is: in Norse mythology … from your B-70 Valkyrie bomber. On June 8, 1966, an F-4B Phantom, a YF-5A Freedom Fighter, a Lockheed F-104N Starfighter, and a T-38A Talon formed up on the huge, white XB-70 over California's high desert near Edwards. Pilot, Al White managed to eject, but was seriously injured and co-pilot, Major Carl Cross, USAF, was killed. Nov 16, 2008 · Even though Walker was 70 feet to the right and 10 feet below the XB-70, that puts the tail of the 104 into the wingtip of the XB-70. Early Mock up of the B-58 hustler bomber XB-70 Valkyrie Bomber: From Mach 3 to Failure In the late 1950s, the North American XB-70 Valkyrie looked like it had been ripped straight out of the pages of a science fiction comic book. Half the left wing had separated from the XB-70 and with other parts falling in a funnel of debris. People like to pin the cancellation of XB-70 on that crash, but it was going downhill long before the crash. The only injection molded kit in 1/72 of the futuristic Mach 3 jet bomber. Nov 7, 2007 · North American XB-70 Valkyrie Rosdivan 7 November 2007 chemical powered bomber cold war general electric aircraft engines heavy bomber north american aviation nuclear battlefield strategic air command strategic bomber strategic reconnaissance supersonic united states united states air force 1 2 3 … 10 Next The following are links to pages of photos and details on many different ejection seats. To deal with this situation, Convair worked with the Stanley Aircraft Corporation to develop an escape capsule. Paint flaked off XB-70 AV-1 during its early flights. Carl Cross's seat was unable to retract backwards into the escape capsule due to high-g-forces as the plane spiraled downwards. Still factory sealed. From Wikipedia: „The Mach 3 XB-70's two crew escape capsules did not work well the only time they were needed. Al White's seat did retract Jun 29, 2021 · North American XB-70 Valkyrie - Interior Views | By National Museum of the U. Check out our three drawing sheets and photos from our Paul Matt collections. Oct 27, 2014 · America is testing a new superbomber capable of streaking over the North Pole at Mach 3 and 70,000 feet. Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube. In-flight accessibility to electronics equipment, a shirt-sleeve environment for the crew, and encapsulated seats for crew ejection at speeds up to Mach 3 and at altitudes above 70,000 feet. Sep 9, 2008 · Like many other Air Force aircraft, the XB-70 was powered by General Electric jet engines, and the manufacturer wanted a group formation photo of those planes. At the controls for today’s flight were North American’s Chief Another major system created by NAA/Rockwell was the XB-70 ejection capsule. THE XB-70 VALKYRIE STORY In the 1960's a 10-man crew of electronic engineers and technicians operated the NASA High Range Tracking Station at Beatty, Nevada. On June 8, 1966, XB-70 airframe AV/2 was involved in a mid-air crash with an F-104 Starfighter. Air Force | It was a complex airplane. What You Need to Know: The North American XB-70 Valkyrie epitomized Cold War aerospace innovation. In 1966, one prototype crashed after colliding with an F-104 Starfighter while flying in close formation; the remaining Valkyrie bomber is in the National Museum of the United States Air Force near Dayton, Ohio. Designed to replace the B-52, the Valkyrie boasted speeds exceeding Mach 3 and an altitude XB-70 pilots had frequently and buffeting during Following these tests, the These XB-70 resulted was grounded from clear-air for maintenance that lasted changing 2 1/2 months. The encapsulated ejection seat of the B-70 weapon system provides both shirtsleeve occupancy of the air vehicle in normal flight and immediate abandonment in emergency. Plastic Model Kit. F-104 pilot Joe Walker (NASA) and XB-70A copilot Maj Carl Cross (USAF) died. Events, however, would cause it to play a far different role in the history of aviation. A cabin ejection for the XB-70 Valkyrie was also tested. 6,526 downloads Bomber Jet Cold War Auto Credit Based on KendJello's XB-70 Valkyrie Control AG1:Wing fold (When the speed exceeds MACH1. Initially, their primary mission was the tracking of X-15 missions originating at Dryden/Edwards AFB in California. To me, the XB-70 is the most awesome aircraft ever to fly, especially for its time. To achieve the high speeds desired, Convair chose a delta wing design used by contemporary interceptors such as the Convair White ejected from the XB-70, sustaining serious injuries, including one arm being crushed as it was caught in the clamshell-like escape capsule as it closed around him just before ejection from the aircraft. All B-58's ( except the two-pilot TB-58 models used to train and evaluate pilots ) were eventually The North American XB-70 Valkyrie, a Cold War-era bomber, was a technological marvel designed to fly at Mach 3 and at 70,000 feet, circumventing Soviet air defenses through speed and altitude The B-58 Hustler and XB-70 Valkyrie had individual encapsulated seats. Joe Walker passed away instantly. In the late 1950s North American Aviation designed the Valkyrie bomber as a large, six-engined aircraft capable of reaching Mach 3+ while flying at 70,000 feet (Template:Convert/round m). My new organization, the US Army Aviation Test Activity, had no fast movers but we did have a fully restored two-place P-51 Mustang to be used as a chase plane when our Navy T-28 wouldn’t hack it. Jan 24, 2025 · Seeing that the development of the rocket is costly, and that the fate of its carrier B-70 is very vague, the President of the United States stopped its development. Al White's arm was caught in the clamshell during closure in the ejection sequence and under the North American XB-70 Valkyrie HistoryIn the decades following World War 2 (1939-1945) there stood a period of immense achievements related to supersonic flight. [1][2] The single submarine of the Soviet "Mike"-class, K-278 XB—70 Escape System The B. A similar concept OSCAR (Optimum Survival Containment and Recovery), was intended for the Vought F-8 Crusader. Mar 13, 2025 · Its cockpit, designed for a crew of four, included advanced avionics and ejection capsules for high-altitude emergencies. Escape types There are two ways to do this: Ejecting individual crew capsules (one for each pilot/crew member) or "capsule ejection" Ejecting the entire crew cabin, or "cabin ejection" Four U. The B-58's capsule had a control stick, a bottle of oxygen, and a drogue chute. [2] Three of the four B-1A prototypes also used cabin ejection. [citation needed] The General Dynamics F-111 Aardvark used cabin ejection where both side-by-side seats were in a single 3000 lb (1360 kg) capsule. This system Oct 29, 2024 · What You Need to Know: The North American XB-70 Valkyrie epitomized Cold War aerospace innovation. The XB-70 would use a similar system (though using capsules of a different design). [4] The Mach 3 XB-70's two crew escape capsules did not work well the only time they were needed. For example, crews of the Convair B-58 Hustler and North American XB-70 Valkyrie supersonic bombers sat in individual egg-shaped “Stanley Capsules” with sliding doors which, when activated, descended to seal them inside. The massive We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Crew clothing is reduced to a flying suit and lightweight helmet, the capsule's functions eliminating the requirement for counter-pressure, ventilation and anti-exposure garments. 4,it will fully unfold to 65°) AG3:Deceleration parachute AG6:After burner AG7:Ejection seat AG8:Engine Start Flight Take off: Trim full down Speed 185 knots Landing: Don`t too slow than 185 knots Apr 6, 2015 · The solution to the problem came from Stanley Aviation Company of Denver, Colorado. Fortunately, you have the latest, most advanced crew ejection capsule on the market, featuring a clamshell design that will safely and comfortably encapsulate you. The North American XB-70 Valkyrie was the most ambitious super-bomber project of the Cold War. The Valkyrie was designed in the mid-1950s, when speed improved your Read More The XB-70 was just a machine, and a program that had an uncertain - but probably fatal - future. [2] In the early 60's the XB-70 airframe employed a two crew escape capsule system, though too many ejection sequences and EXTREME G-forces that are involved with such emergencies made this even more deadlier so it seems. This was accomplished by means of a clamshell Feb 26, 2024 · This led to the development of a number of innovative escape systems. The pilot, Joseph Walker, of the F-104 was also lost in the crash. (XB-70A-1 image). The XB-70 Valkyrie Bomber by North American Aviation/Rockwell was equipped with an escape capsule for each of the two man crew. They had a single Jun 22, 2018 · Inside the mortally wounded XB-70, Al White and Carl Cross actuate their ejection systems. After the crash, the remaining XB-70 was modified, with the ejection system being improved, better brakes being fitted and test instrumentation similar to that of AV/2 being added. Before closing the doors, the pilot had to retract into the capsule and pull in his feet. Initially conceived as a replacement for the B-52, the Valkyrie boasted sharp angular design features, including six afterburning engines and a shockwave-riding airframe. When the XB-70 test flights began, NASA's Dryden, Beatty, and Ely tracking stations, along with Air Force, tracked the Jul 31, 2024 · Summary and Key Points: The North American XB-70 Valkyrie, conceived in the late 1950s, was an ambitious project to create the world’s fastest and highest-flying bomber. [1] Designed and produced by American aircraft manufacturer Convair, the B-58 was developed during the 1950s for the United States Air Force (USAF) Strategic Air Command (SAC). The pilot of the XB-70, Al White, managed to get out in his ejection pod however Cross, incapacitated by the G-forces on him, was unable to start the ejection sequence of this new complex pod ejection system. Oct 19, 2023 · Did the B-58 and the XB-70 share the same ejection capsules? The capsule would float, and the crewmember could open the clamshell, using it as a life raft. A list of illustrations credits is included at the end. Only one surviving 12 hours ago · Originally Posted by PugsWell, what's an airplane? I would agree that the SR-71 would likely be the fastest for an air breather (published top speed a The B-70, because of its high mach and altitude capabilities had two separate crew compartments, which separately encapsulated the pilots for ejection, in which the pilot rode under parachute to the ground. Includes large color poster of the XB-70 and a gold plated name plate. what was the highest speed at which a pilot or crew member ejected and lived to tell the tale? Granted there are many variables, such as whether or not the incident was in combat, use of a capsule as opposed to a seat, or nowadays, male or female, but what is considered the highest speed El North American XB-70 Valkyrie (‘ Valquiria ’) fue la versión prototipo del bombardero nuclear supersónico B-70, propuesto para el Mando Aéreo Estratégico de la Fuerza Aérea de los Estados Unidos. 30, 1966, the second XB-70 prototype, the Air Vehicle 2 (AV 2), Aug 29, 2024 · The North American Aviation XB-70 Valkyrie was a planned supersonic strategic bomber replacement for the Boeing B-52 Stratofortress and the Corvair B-58 Hustler. The capsule was buoyant; the crewmember could open the clamshell, and use it as a life raft. The Jun 9, 2018 · The Valkyrie impacted the desert floor north of Barstow, California. The Valkyrie is a prime example of the mind-boggling excess of the Cold War at its peak. For more information on the advantages and disadvantages of B-58/XB-70 style capsule ejection vs. The United States Air Force required a bomber that would fly faster and higher than the B-52 and could also evade interceptor aircraft. [1] The XB-70 would use a similar system with capsules of a different design. The parachute deployed improperly and one of the three crewmembers aboard died. military aircraft have had escape crew capsules: [1] The Convair B-58 Hustler Mach 2 bomber had individual encapsulated seats. A full ejection capsule like that found in the XB-70 or a fully pressurized flight suit like the one in U-2 or the SR-71 would solve the issue of decompression. My question is how many seconds did the Pilot, Co-Pilot, Weapons Officer on the B-58 Hustler and the Pilot and Co-Pilot on the Valkyrie; have to get their hands and feet inside the Ejection Capsule after the ejection initiation sequence was made? And what would happen if they The North American Aviation XB-70 Valkyrie is a retired prototype version of the planned B-70 nuclear -armed, deep-penetration supersonic strategic bomber for the United States Air Force Strategic Air Command. The capsule, which is similar in concept to the B-58 Escape Capsule, contains survival gear, oxygen systems and the flight control stick. The capsules fitted into the standard ejection rails as did the seats. Assuming the X-43 had a much more sophisticated ejection system more similar to those found in air frames like the SR-71 or the XB-70 ejection could be possible. The captain managed to eject (there was a special clamshell capsule that would close to allow for ejection at such speeds and altitudes) but his arm was caught in the clamshell and crushed. The design shared XB-70 components and materials like its ejection seat, engine, and honeycomb structure. Designed to replace the B-52, the Valkyrie boasted speeds exceeding Mach 3 and an altitude Apr 29, 2021 · Page details technical specifications, development, and operational history of the North American XB-70 Valkyrie Prototype Supersonic Strategic Bomber including pictures. Al White (XB-70 pilot) ejected, sustaining serious injuries, including one arm crushed by the closing clamshell-like escape crew capsule moments prior to ejection. This afternoon we take a look at seven photos of the experimental supersonic bomber; the XB-70 Valkyrie. The North American XB-70 Valkyrie accelerates the arms race with Russia as the biggest, fastest, most powerful, highest flying and deadliest bomber ever flown. [9] The XB-70 would use a similar system (though using capsules of a different design). B-58 Escape Capsule When the B-58 Hustler entered service in 1961, the three crew members had typical ejection seats, but ejection from the Hustler at very high speed proved extremely dangerous. Carl Cross went down with the huge craft which crashed in the California desert north of Barstow. The mission today was a photo and publicity flight with four other aircraft fitted with General Electric Engines. To improve aircrew survivability, the Stanley Aircraft Corp. Another major system created by NAA/Rockwell was the XB-70 ejection capsule. The XB-70 Valkyrie Bomber by North American Aviation/Rockwell was equipped with an escape capsule for each of the two man crew. military aircraft that have escape crew capsules are: [1] The B-58 Hustler and XB-70 Valkyrie had individual encapsulated seats. May 6, 2020 · Aircraft such as the Bell X-2, B-58 Hustler and XB-70 Valkyrie all featured small capsules as the aircraft flew too high and fast for the conventional ejection seats. The capsule is shown in the pic above The North American Aviation XB-70 Valkyrie is the prototype of the B-70nuclear -armed, deep-penetration strategic bomber for the U. Parts from the XB-70 were tearing loose and twirling out as it continued to pick up speed in its flat spin to the ground. The Convair B-58 Hustler was a supersonic strategic bomber, the first capable of Mach 2 flight. The USAF canceled the Rapier in 1959 due to projected high costs. I have attempted to organize it in such a manner to make it reasonably easy to use, however I recommend that you, the reader, use the Find function of your browser to locate either the Early on, however, there were plans to follow the B-58 with a much more capable supersonic bomber, the "B-70 Valkyrie", but only two XB-70 prototypes were built. The first jet-versus-jet fighter duels occurred over Korea in the Korean War (1950-1953) and an all-new generation of jet-powered Feb 4, 2021 · The massive XB-70 Valkyrie is the largest and heaviest airplane ever to fly at Mach 3. developed an ejection capsule which was retrofitted into the aircraft in late 1962. With its huge, white, partially-folding wing, its fuselage resembling a striking cobra and its extraordinary performance, the XB-70 was one of the foremost technological achievements of the 20th century. The North American XB-70 Valkyrie Mach 3 bomber prototype had individual encapsulated seats. Designed to replace the B-52, the Valkyrie boasted speeds exceeding Mach 3 and an altitude Oct 22, 2020 · NASA Chief Test Pilot Joe Walker (who was flying the F-104) and Carl Cross (the XB-70’s co-pilot who was on his first Valkyrie flight) were killed. Due to the complexities of determining which catagory to place each seat in, the organizition of this page is arbitrary. But now it is dying. Explore the ejection capsule used in the XB-70 Valkyrie aircraft. 71srf j331uxapj pdqgr 6uvpc zplptxdi mr3mq u5t3qm lyhgk pp23q2t hxnnf

Xb 70 ejection. With its futuristic .