Welcome to the next in the trivia series!
This aircraft derived from a new concept developed in the late 1940s and early 1950s which took into account the greatly increased capability of ground defenses. It was ordered by the Air Force in 1954, the same year that produced the last B-36. To the regret of some, this aircraft’s factory nickname stuck, and even became official.
Among the many revolutionary advances embodied in this aircraft was the use of new procedures and materials in constructing the aircraft. This aircraft is framed like a Navy destroyer, had strong honeycomb skin material and set a string of performance records that may never be matched.Special demands were made on the airframe structure, by virtue of its high speed, which could heat the exterior surfaces above 250 degrees F. There was also concern over sonic fatigue at high sound levels affecting the wing structure.
Production of this aircraft lasted two years and 116 planes were built. The crews were elite, hand-picked from other strategic bomber squadrons and weight gain resulted in dismissal from the program. It was reported that each of the production aircraft was worth more than its weight in gold.
Name this aircraft. Answer by PM only. Do not answer " Was It " or with a question mark. No changing of an answer after your original submission. Any answer submitted after 1200 hrs E.S.T on the day the answer will post will not count. Answer will post on 01/16/ 07 at 1200 hrs E.S.T.