Northrop N-9M

1942

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Northrop N-9M

Experience with the N-1M convinced Northrop that an all-wing bomber was feasible, and following evaluation by USAAF engineers a design contract was awarded under the designation XB-35. Four 18.29m span N-9M scale models were built to provide flight data but the first, flown in December 1942, was lost in a fatal crash early the following year. The first three N-9Ms had two 205kW Menasco air-cooled engines, but the fourth, the N-9MB, had 224kW Franklins; all drove pusher propellers. A three-year test programme was flown from Muroc Army Air Base, providing much data and giving pilots experience in the handling and performance of flying wings, and the autopilot for the XB-35 was developed in an N-9M. All N-9Ms had retractable landing gear and varying colour schemes; the first two were all yellow, the third (N-9MA) was blue on top and yellow underneath, while the fourth (N-9MB) had the colour reversed. The colours identified the top or bottom of the aircraft during observations of the flight programme.

3-View 
Northrop N-9MA three-view drawing (752 x 240)

Specification 
 MODELN-9M
 CREW1
 ENGINE2 x 193kW
 WEIGHTS
  Take-off weight3200 kg7055 lb
 DIMENSIONS
  Wingspan18.3 m60 ft 0 in
  Length5.3 m17 ft 5 in
  Wing area46 m2495.14 sq ft

Comments
Bryce Armstrong, e-mail, 20.08.2020 05:41

You really have to hand it to the National Socialists, the Krauts with their 'Vonderweapons' were so far ahead on 'Merica' in killing there test pilots, the uncivilized world owes a debt of gratitude.

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Al, e-mail, 20.12.2017 01:41

I think that N-1M and N-9M as a whole are Model designations but what does the Las letter M designate?
I've seen on a narrative that NM was explained as Northrop Model then followed by 1M. NM-1M or NOM-1M. also I've seen
N-1 /M. So what would the designation be when these units in MOCKUP status?

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Dale, e-mail, 14.06.2017 07:05

Whoever said the Horton 229 never flew should check their facts a little closer.
When germany fell and the Horton 229 was discovered it was noted that their were 3 other Hortons at various lacations in different levels of disassembly, They were ordered destroyed, rather than let them fall into (Enemy (U.S. or European hands). A few parts of other destroyed Hortons surfaced around Germany after the War.

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Jim, e-mail, 07.05.2015 04:02

Gary, are you suggesting the Horton brothers of Germany were designing planes for Northrop in 1942? Check the date, this is before the war ended. I think Northrop was working on this at the same time as the Germans.

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Gary, e-mail, 27.01.2015 22:20

Funny how little credit is given to the Horton Brothers of Germany. They really did the bulk if the work on perfecting the flying wing concept all the way to a twin jet-engined version that was never completed. Lucky for allies since shooting down 600 mph stealthy flying wing fighters would have been very difficult! Fortunately a few of the Horton Brothers flying wings survived the vengeance of the British after the war. One ended up at Northrup, and I'm positive it was an inspiration for Jack Northrup to take the flying wing to the next level

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PMaks, e-mail, 22.10.2020 Gary

What a phantasmagoria..
Northrop was working before Hortons..
Stealth how ... ??? It was made of wood..
Maybe laser weapons too ?? :D :D :D :D

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Gary, e-mail, 27.01.2015 22:08

Funny how little credit is given to the Horton Brothers of Germany. They really did the bulk if the work on perfecting the flying wing concept all the way to a twin jet-engined version that was never completed. Lucky for allies since shooting down 600 mph stealthy flying wing fighters would have been very difficult! Fortunately a few of the Horton Brothers flying wings survived the vengeance of the British after the war. One ended up at Northrup, and I'm positive it was an inspiration for Jack Northrup to take the flying wing to the next level

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Bob Sanborn, e-mail, 10.03.2011 10:32

In the early 40's we would leave for school and see two N-9M's fly by in formation going north and in the afternoon after school we would see them returning. It was very interesting to see. My mom was a planner and dad was an expeditor. After discharge in 49 started work as an tool designer all at Northrop. Jack would come out at second shift lunch break, stand on a table and give us a rundown. We new they flew up to Lake Curum (Curum family) later known as Muruc (spelt backwards). It was terrible to see B-35's get cut up but the contract was given to San Diago Convair.

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Ken Dowd, e-mail, 26.09.2010 01:53

Had the pleasure of seeing the Planes of Fame N-9M when it was being restored in Long Beach. The company I worked for (Teleflex) built a new set of engine controls(4)that are in the flying aircraft today. Was also at the rollout and first public flight at Chino.

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Donald Harker, e-mail, 11.05.2010 20:53

I have built and flown a 54inch, RC scale model of the N9M. I have had to develope shaft drives for the model to address the same CG issues that Northrup encountered. I believe that the flight characteristics are similar, with the same stall excitement as the original.

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Lester, e-mail, 24.09.2008 21:15

I was working on an earthmoving project in the Chino hills, near Planes of Fame, when I saw what turned out to be their flying wing coming in. I had no idea what it was until doing some research and finding they had restored this plane. Very strange to see it in the air, and I'm glad I got the chance.

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Krolopp, e-mail, 03.06.2008 08:47

The guys at Planes of Fame have restored one to flying conditions.

www.planesoffame.com /aircraft.php

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Bill Duncan, e-mail, 27.05.2008 03:50

I was told that the chief test pilot for Northrop quit rather than fly this airplane. I worked with him for the Air Force in 1963, but cannot remember his name. He may have been an engineer himself.

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WOW, 01.03.2008 15:48

I can't belive this was so high-tech, even back in the day!!

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