1940s Flying Wing

This is the experimental aircraft that preceded the jet age noncommercial flying wings you typically see today. The program was contracted through Northrop by the US Airforce at the time and while in progress this aircraft was mistaken for numerous UFO sightings. This was the prototype that survived the dismantling process of the program after the program was halted around 1950 by the US Airforce. Unfortunately new flying wings would not be made for another 35 years. The shutdown of the project led to slowdown in aviation technology especially for passenger travel. Had Northrop pursued the flying wing further airline travel would have already long ago been flying wing instead of conventional carrying up to 800-1000 passengers at a time with further mileage and capable of super sonic speeds. As it stands now passenger based flying wings have now been in development for apx 5 years. I was one of the few lucky ones today to see this historic flight of the only existing 1940s flying wing as shown in this video taken with a Sony Cybershot. All rights reserved Kenny Irwin 2006©. You may share this video provided the artist is credited as the source of the video. Please feel free to visit the many art websites of Kenny Irwin at www.myspace.com/kennyirwin.