1950: The Northrop YRB-49A flies for the first time Near Hawthorne, California. The experimental flying-wing design is powered by four internal Allison J-35 turbojet engines housed within 172 feet of the wingspan and two more were mounted under the wings. The sole prototype reconnaissance platform flew only 13 flights before testing ended abruptly on 26 April 1951. (USAF Image)
