The Northrop XP-79 Flying Ram was an ambitious design for a flying wing fighter aircraft; it had several notable design features. Among these the pilot would operate the aircraft from a prone position – allowing him to endure much greater G-forces.

Perhaps the most interesting design idea of the XP-79, and the feature which earned it the nickname "Flying Ram" was the reinforced leading edges on the wings. It was envisioned that the XP-79 might actually employ the combat tactic of deliberately colliding with enemy aircraft -- perhaps diving into them from above. The idea was that the reinforced XP-79 would slice through the enemy aircraft, perhaps at the wing or tailboom , causing it to crash, but that the XP-79 itself would survive the encounter.

The XP-79 project met its own doom on 12 September, 1945 when the single prototype entered an uncontrollable spin and was lost on its maiden flight, killing test pilot Harry Crosby. Shortly thereafter the project was cancelled.

Specifications (XP-79B)

General characteristics

• Crew: one pilot
• Length: 14 ft 0 in (4.27 m)
• Wingspan: 28 ft 0 in (8.54 m)
• Height: 7 ft 0 in (2.13 m)
• Wing area: 278 ft² (25.8 m²)
• Empty: lb ( kg)
• Loaded: 8,669 lb (3,940 kg)
• Maximum takeoff: lb ( kg)
• Powerplant: 2x Westinghouse 19 B turbojets, 1,150 lb (5.1 kN) thrust each

Performance (anticipated)

• Maximum speed: 547 mph (875 km/h)
• Range: 993 miles (1,588 km)
• Service ceiling: 40,000 ft (12,195 m)
• Rate of climb: 4,000 ft/min (1,220 m/min)
• Wing loading: 31 lb/ft² (153 kg/m²)
• Thrust-to-weight: 0.27:1

Armament

• 4x .50 machine guns (never fitted)

References

• U.S. Air Force Museum
• Northrop XP-79

Related content

Related development: Northrop MX-324

Comparable aircraft: Zeppelin Rammer

Designation sequence: XP-76 - XP-77 - XP-78 - XP-79 - P-80 - XP-81 - P-82