Northrop
N-1M
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Photo: Robert Deering 10/23/2006
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Chantilly, Virginia
John K. "Jack" Northrop's dream of a flying wing became a reality on July 3, 1940, when his N-1M (Northrop Model 1 Mockup) first flew. One of the world's preeminent aircraft designers and creator of the Lockheed Vega and Northrop Alpha, Northrop had experimented with flying wings for over a decade, believing they would have less drag and greater efficiency than conventional designs. His 1929 flying wing, while successful, had twin tail booms and a conventional tail. In the N-1M he created a true flying wing.

Built of plywood around a tubular steel frame, the N-1M was powered by two 65-horsepower Lycoming engines, later replaced with two 120-horsepower Franklins. While its flying characteristics were marginal, the N-1M led to other designs, including the Northrop XB-35 and YB-49 strategic bombers and ultimately the B-2 stealth bomber.
SPECIFICATIONS: PERFORMANCE:
Span: 11.6 m (38 ft)
Length:   5.2 m (17 ft)
Height:  1.5 m (5 ft)
Empty Weight:  
Gross Weight:  1,814 kg (4,000 lb)
Crew: 		Maximum speed: 322 km/h (200 mph)
Cruising speed:
Range:
Service ceiling:
Engines: 2 Franklin 6AC264F2, 120 hp
Armament:
   
SOURCE: Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum