History:
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The design of the XP-79 was started in late 1942 by John Northrop. Three prototypes were ordered by the USAAF, originally intended to be powered by a rocket motor, the Aerojet "Rotojet", in march 1943 it was decided to modify the third prototype to use 2x Westinghouse 19-B turbojets,(it now being designated the XP-79 B) because of mounting problems with the "Rotojet" engine. All three aircraft were of magnesium construction, with the pilot laying prone in the nose. By September 1944 the problems with the "Rotojet" engine led to the whole rocket-driven fighter program being canceled. The emphasis now being on the XP-79 B, which was to fare little better. On the 12/12/1945 pilot Harry Crosby took the XP-79 B in the air for the first time, the plane flew for some fourteen minutes with out any problems, then at 7,000' it made a slow roll and span into the ground. Harry Crosby was seen the leave the plane but was struck by the wing and fell to his death. That was the beginning of the end for the Northrop flying wing program. |
