Boeing Flying Wing Designs from the 30's

The Cat a.k.a Meowbag · May 10, 2006, 11:03:02 AM

I gotta ask, gents. Didn't Armstrong-Whitworth make a flying wing some considerable time before anyone else?

I just remember seeing a pic of one at the Midland Air Museum, AW-52 I think, or some such.

Can someone please either back me up or correct me, because it's been doing my nut in for years.

jcf · May 10, 2006, 11:48:54 AM

QuoteI gotta ask, gents. Didn't Armstrong-Whitworth make a flying wing some considerable time before anyone else? I just remember seeing a pic of one at the Midland Air Museum, AW-52 I think, or some such.

Can someone please either back me up or correct me, because it's been doing my nut in for years.

AW 52 was built post WWII.

Flying Wings Gallery

A.W. 52

Flying wings and tailless aircraft as concepts go back to the earliest days of flight.

The Etrich "Zanonia seed" glider:

Arnoux Stabloplane:

Dunne D5:

Lots more history here:
Flying Wings

Cheers, Jon

lancer · May 10, 2006, 01:12:44 PM

Oh those are some seriously gorgeous looking machines.

GTX · May 10, 2006, 02:16:11 PM

QuoteI would never ever go flying with that tailess airliner. Just not safe enough for me.

Wimp!!!!!

Regards,

Greg

GTX · May 10, 2006, 02:24:29 PM

QuoteAlvis, have you started doing some artwork? Those look like designs you would come up with.

The The author and illustrator, I believe is one Jared A. Zichek. As for the original aircraft designers I'm not entirely sure.

Regards,

Greg

The Cat a.k.a Meowbag · May 10, 2006, 03:18:38 PM

QuoteAW 52 was built post WWII.

'S'all I needed to know to be honest, but the rest of your post was uber-informative, so nice one

OK then, I guess the question still stands ... who really DID build the first flying wing that actually flew with any success?

Discuss. (Javelin, Shot-put, etc)

B777LR · May 11, 2006, 08:09:59 AM

QuoteWimp!!!!!

I totally agree

Gary · May 11, 2006, 08:30:10 AM

When you refer to a tail-less airliner are you referring to an airliner without stewardesses?

Hey, has anyone seen my sexual harassment counciler? Aparently I have an appointment with the babe.

cthulhu77 · May 11, 2006, 08:34:38 AM

chuckle

The idea of a flying wing with fixed gear and spats sounds wickedly cool...someone get Brian a kit !

jcf · May 11, 2006, 11:22:12 AM

Quotechuckle

The idea of a flying wing with fixed gear and spats sounds wickedly cool...someone get Brian a kit !

...and its rocket powered!!!

NORTHROP

Jon

Jschmus · May 11, 2006, 06:27:03 PM

QuoteOK then, I guess the question still stands ... who really DID build the first flying wing that actually flew with any success?

Discuss. (Javelin, Shot-put, etc)

Nortrop N-1

proditor · May 12, 2006, 03:53:32 PM

Beautiful pics!

Is it just me, or does the cockpit on the bomber look a lot like a B-17? Makes sense of course, but it has me wondering if I just found my summer project.

jcf · May 12, 2006, 04:08:28 PM

QuoteBeautiful pics!

Is it just me, or does the cockpit on the bomber look a lot like a B-17? Makes sense of course, but it has me wondering if I just found my summer project.

More XB-15.

Cheers, Jon

Daryl J. · March 11, 2009, 07:38:49 PM

KJ.....you might find this interesting....

HTH,
Daryl J.

Boeing Flying Wing Designs from the 30's

The Cat a.k.a Meowbag

The Cat a.k.a Meowbag

B777LR