Smoke pouring from its eight buried J35-A5 engines, the YB-49 roars aloft from Northrop Field on its maiden flight, 21 October 1947. Note the air intakes in the leading edge, and the pilot's bubble offset to port. The higher speed of the jet version of the Flying Wing made great care necessary in retracting the landing gear.

SOURCE: U.S. Air Force PHOTO BY: U.S. Air Force DATE: October 21 1947