Series: X-Planes

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 huge, white partially-folding delta wing, its fuselage resembling a striking cobra, and its extraordinary performance, it was one of the foremost technological achievements of the 20th Century. A strategic bomber built to outrun any Soviet fighter...

In 1935, the USAAC wanted to build a potential intercontinental bomber, a 'Guardian of the Hemisphere,' and granted Donald Douglas a contract to build the world's largest bomber. The groundwork for the intercontinental bomber had been laid in the previous two decades by courageous military and civilian pilots who risked their lives to set new distance and endurance records. After...

A detailed history of the pioneering Bell X-1, the first manned craft to break the sound barrier. Brought to life with dazzling digital art, this rocket-powered aircraft launches Osprey's new 'X-Planes' series and brings the reader into the dangerous and thrilling world of experimental aircraft. In 1947, no one knew if it was possible to break the 'sound barrier'. The...

Cold War Delta Prototypes delves into the captivating history of how the radical delta-wing became the preferred design for early British and American high-performance jets, highlighting the legendary role of aircraft like the Fairey Delta series in its evolution. At the dawn of the supersonic jet age, aircraft designers were compelled to innovate with radical new planforms to suit the...