Valkyrie's Vmax: #2 The Mach 3 Bomber That Almost Was

The North American XB-70 Valkyrie was a breathtaking prototype strategic bomber from the late 1950s, designed to fly at Mach 3.1 (2,056 mph or 3,309 km/h) at altitudes over 70,000 feet. With its unique delta-wing design utilizing 'compression lift' and six powerful jet engines, it was envisioned to outrun interceptors and surface-to-air missiles. Though only two were built and the program was eventually cancelled due to rising costs and ICBM development, it provided invaluable data for future high-speed aircraft design.