Northrop N-1 Experimental
Model Airplane News Cover Art for January, 1942
by Jo Kotula
The artist calls it the "Flying Manta"
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In 1940 the Northrop N-1M, an all-wing design was developed to test John Northrop's theories about flying wings. It was powered by two Lycoming engines driving pusher propellers. The N-1M was a true all-wing design and its low drag gave improved acceleration in both dive and glide; it also enabled the aircraft to use significantly less power on take-off than conventional aircraft of similar size and weight. Early tests found few problems, the main one being engine cooling, but this was solved by the installation of Franklin engines with almost double the power along with three-bladed propellers.

Northrop N1M Experimental Flying Wing
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The N-1M has survived and may be seen in the US National Air and Space Museum.

  

Northrop N-1M Flying Wing
Design Patent D-143,853
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Click Here to learn how to get free patent diagrams

Here is a video that has extremely rare color footage of the first flight of the N1M:

Click Here for more information about the Northrop Flying Wing program.

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