And when Pan Am does grace the skies again, so will their pioneering spirit of introducing many firsts in their rich history. With someone having the innovative drive of Juan Trippe at the helm they would likely be the first to introduce supersonic (or even hyper sonic) service when its viability one day is proven.
With respect to the XB-70: its impact on aviation has far outstripped her recognition. The aircraft is often a hazy memory, yet the technology it pioneered would dictate aerospace manufacturing for decades after its last flight. The integrated aerodynamic package this aircraft represented would remind designers that shape can best brute force when it comes to speed and performance. Most who even remember the XB-70, recall images of an expensive, cranky, and problematic design.
Until you look at the logs of the second and improved prototype, the confidence that had been developed doesn't come through. One has to remember that the chief test pilot was going to leave the program, signalling that from an engineering standpoint the aircraft had accomplished the goals set for it.
From a pilot's judgement it was an easy airplane to fly, considering that due to budget restraints in this research program the airplane was flown without an autopilot and was equipped with "off-the-shelf" flight deck instrumentation.
Last edited by Green-dot; 19th Aug 2015 at 18:41.