NAA XB-70 Valkyrie

The experimental Mach 3 bomber built to explore high-speed strategic flight.

Overview

North American Aviation (NAA) United States ICAO: XB70 1964–1969 $750 million (1961)

The North American XB-70 Valkyrie was an experimental bomber designed for sustained Mach 3 cruise. Developed during the Cold War, it was intended to penetrate air defenses at high altitude and speed. Only two prototypes were completed.

Live Fleet Activity (XB70)

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Specifications

Units
Engine
6 × General Electric YJ93-GE-3 afterburning
Engine type
Jet
Thrust
6 × 30,000 lbf · 133 kN
Avionics
—
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
2
Crew
—
Cabin width
—
Cabin height
—
Cabin length
—
Exterior length
185 ft 8 in  ·  56.60 m
Tail height
29 ft 10 in  ·  9.10 m
Fuselage diameter
—
Wing span
105 ft 0 in  ·  32.00 m
Baggage volume
—
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
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Max takeoff weight
542,000 lb  ·  246,000 kg
Max landing weight
—
Max payload
20,000 lb  ·  9,050 kg
Fuel capacity
35,950 gal · 136,100 L · 108,900 kg (Jet A)
Max cruise speed
1,737 kt  ·  1,999 mph  ·  3,217 km/h
Maximum speed
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Cruise speed
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Approach speed
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Range
3,726 nm  ·  4,290 mi  ·  6,900 km
Fuel burn
0.14 nm/gal  ·  0.07 km/L
Ceiling
77,350 ft  ·  23,600 m
Rate of climb
7,170 ft/min  ·  36 m/s
Takeoff distance
7,400 ft  ·  2,260 m
Landing distance
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North American XB-70A Valkyrie in flight

Live fleet activity details

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Flight Airline Reg Alt Speed Heading V/S

Operational Context

North American XB-70 Valkyrie — experimental supersonic bomber

The XB-70 first flew in 1964 as part of a program to develop a high-speed strategic bomber. It featured a delta wing and canard foreplanes, along with an innovative compression lift design. The program faced changing strategic priorities and high costs.

Powered by six General Electric YJ93 turbojet engines producing approximately 30,000 pounds of thrust (133 kN) each with afterburner, the XB-70 was capable of speeds exceeding Mach 3. Maximum takeoff weight exceeded 500,000 pounds (226,800 kg). The aircraft was designed for long-range nuclear strike missions.

The Valkyrie program was canceled before production due to the rise of intercontinental ballistic missiles and improved air defenses. The prototypes contributed valuable high-speed research data. The XB-70 remains an iconic example of Cold War aerospace ambition.

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