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XP-79 Flying Ram - Definition and Overview |
| Related Words: Agile, Airborne, Airline, Astronautics, Aviation, Axial, Back, Ballooning, Brittle, Cruising, Deciduous, Disappearing |
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The Northrop XP-79 Flying Ram was an ambitious design for a flying wing aircraft; it had several notable design features. Among these the pilot would operate the aircraft from a prone position – allowing him to endure much greater G-forces.
Perhaps the most interesting design idea of the XP-79, and the feature which earned it the nickname "Flying Ram" was the reinforced leading edges on the wings. It was envisioned that the XP-79 might actually employ the combat tactic of deliberately colliding with enemy aircraft -- perhaps diving into them from above. The idea was that the reinforced XP-79 would slice through the enemy aircraft, perhaps at the wing or tailboom, causing it to crash, but that the XP-79 itself would survive the encounter.
The XP-79 project met its own doom on 12 September, 1945 when one of the prototypes entered an uncontrollable roll and was lost on a test flight. Shortly thereafter the project was cancelled.
Specifications
General Characteristics
- Speed: 547 MPH
- Wingspan: 38 Feet
- Length: 14 Feet
- Armament: Designed for four .50 machine guns
References
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