XB35 FLYING WING
In 1941 Northrop was given a contract to
develop a single long-range heavy bomber prototype, utilizing
Northrop's flying wing design. It was given the designation XB-35,
and while testing continued, the contract was expanded to include a
second prototype, then 13 test aircraft (designated YB-35), and
finally an order for 200 production B-35s. Numerous engineering
problems were encountered (including serious engine and propeller
gear box difficulties), which delayed development to the point
where the bomber would not be ready for WWII. Knowing this (and
that upcoming jet bomber designs would soon make the XB-35
obsolete), the USAF canceled the production orders, and reduced the
XB-35 program to testing only. Three of the YB-35s were then to be
developed with jet engines, and these were re-designated YB-49s.
The first flight of the XB-35 was finally made in June of 1946.
With the YB-49s a more serious contender, the XB-35/YB-35 program
was finally ended, with all prototypes being scrapped in 1949. The
YB-49 program continued on into the 1950's, but it too was
eventually canceled. Knowledge from these programs did not entirely
go to waste, however, as some of it was
used in the development of the B-2 Stealth bomber decades
later.
This is part of a
series of 23 caches dedicated to the American Aircraft of
WWII. Each cache is
dedicated to a particular aircraft model and can be logged as an
individual find. The
series consists of 16 regular caches and 7 mystery
caches. The series will
be divided into 5 sub-series, one for each category of aircraft
(
Fighters,
Bombers,
Seaplanes, and
X-series Prototypes) and a final series consisting of three of
the most recognizable aircraft of WWII.
(
P51 Mustang,
B17 Flying Fortress and
B29 Super Fortress).
This cache is part of the X-SERIES PROTOTYPES
sub-series. The cache contains a code used to find the final of
this sub-series:
American WWII Aircraft-X-SERIES PROTOTYPES
(
GC1D44Z).
X-SERIES PROTOTYPES =
N40
48.
XB35/XF5U
W074
35.
XB36/XB42
This
is a small (maybe micro?)
cache. Bring your own
pen.
This cache is located along a portion of the
Randolph Trails.
These trails are well maintained and easy to
walk.
Trail maps are readily available at most of the trail
heads. Randolph’s trail system runs a 16-mile course
traversing five parks, the Clyde Potts Reservoir Watershed and
2,000 acres of pristine open space. The trails link together
schools with neighborhoods and connect to Patriots’ Path at Combs
Hollow and Old
Brookside. Randolph’s
trails should be viewed as a work in progress as the township
continues to pursue easements and funding to expand our trail
network. The township funds 90% of design and construction costs
through state grants and developer contributions. Over $1.5 million
in state grants and developer contributions has been invested in
Randolph’s trails. Open
year round, the trails can be used from dawn to dusk and are closed
at night. During the winter months, there is no snow or ice
removal, providing a wonderful opportunity for cross-country skiers
and snowshoe enthusiasts.