Death of a Valkyrie: The 1966 XB-70 Midair Collision

In June 1966, a photo shoot involving abXB-70A No. 2, an F-4 Phantom, an F-5, a T-38 Talon, and an F-104 Starfighter, went terribly wrong. It is a piece of forgotten aviation history that deserves to be remembered.
This is original content based on research by The History Guy. Images in the Public Domain are carefully selected and provide illustration. As images of actual events are sometimes not available, images of similar objects and events are used for illustration.
All events are portrayed in historical context and for educational purposes. No images or content are primarily intended to shock and disgust. Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it. Non censuram.
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Script by THG
#ushistory #thehistoryguy #XB70Valkyrie

[@marks.3510]

My father, BLS, was the project manager of the XB-70. The day of the crash my mother gathered the kids together in the living room and, through tears, told us about the horrific accident. My father arrived home very late that night. The sadness on his face and in his countenance in losing two of his close friends, Cotton and Cross, was too much for myself and my siblings. Tears were shed as the family hugged my father.

[@normanblack4853]

My father, Edwin J Black, was in the back seat of the F4 Phantom on that fateful day. He remembers it like it was yesterday.

[@reetapaljhhhmbbp382]

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[@garywilliams2769]

That's cool if it's true

[@virgochild]

Hey Norman, It your Cus Marv. We had the Life Magazine with the story on the front, when growing up. Tell Uncle Jay hi.

[@TheHitmanAgent]

@@garywilliams2769 ...if it is true, indeed! 😆

[@fighterjetsteve]

​@Gary Williams why don't you idiots Google it. Its easy enough to find out if it's true. What an ahole.🖕

[@andrewcarter1599]

Joe Walker deserves to be remembered in his own episode. Joe flew himself into space on the X-15, crossing the Karman line and earning astronaut wings. This wasn’t the Air Force’s 50-mile standard, but the international Karman-line standard that Walker flew above. The aircraft had to be controlled with RCS because the air was too thin and aero surfaces wouldn’t have control authority. In that era largely automated capsules got all the press, and manually controlling a craft into space was considered far to dangerous to be practical. But on August 22, 1963, Joe Walker did, earned his unconditional astronaut wings, becoming the first civilian for fly into outer space. The Mercury astronauts were criticized at Edwards as “not being real pilots,” but passengers. Joe the pilot and his rocket plane deserve to be remembered as America’s 7th man in space.

[@johnhutchison9782]

The XB70 has been my favorite bomber since I first saw a photo of it in a book when I was 16. I traveled to Wright-Patterson with my best buddy after we graduated from high school. At that time the Valkyrie was outside, with only cables around it for security. Bypassing that I walked up to the gleaming white bird. I touched its landing gear, wondering what it was like to be roaring down the runway just at the moment of V1. It was an emotional moment for me, knowing the history of the aircraft, its triumphs and tragedy. I for one was elated when the Air Force Museum finally built a hanger for that incredible flying machine to live out the rest of its days, free from the elements. No more rain, no more snow, no more sun baking it. Just preservation so that everyone could see this truly magnificent plane. I still have my B70 tie and tie tack from when I visited.

[@lancesmith7235]

I was 14 the day my Mother told me she had been married to a pilot who got killed, in training, during WWII. She was crying when I got home from school that day. The day that Joe Walker died. He had been her military escort for her husband's remains and she spent four days, on a train, in the worst grief she had ever experienced with the kindest man she could have ever met. That was the story she told me, through tears, on the day Joe Walker died.

[@maryrafuse2297]

Heartbreaking! God rest his soul.

[@johngalt3568]

It’s an incredibly small world. When one serves or is connected to the military it’s amazing how much history one comes in contact with. I bet Joe Walker did his best to represent his service and comfort your mother. Sometimes heroes are heroes in more than one sense. Thanks for that story. I was an Army Chaplain for 20 years. I never saw a Soldier treat a funeral detail with anything less than the honor deserved. They all knew their brothers and sisters would treat them with dignity and respect were the roles reversed.

[@lancesmith7235]

@@johngalt3568 Thank you for acknowledging and confirming. She was truly grateful for how she was treated by the military and Joe Walker himself. That was before he became famous.Our military's treatment of the fallen is truly famous.

[@williamwoodrow6556]

Wow, I. Always say that men are equals and then you hear a story like this. So I try to better.

[@knutdergroe9757]

@@williamwoodrow6556 , We are born as equals. It is the examples we set, That makes us different.

[@JarrodFrates]

As good as his speaking is, the rare moments of silence by THG can be at least as powerful.

[@gibson9516]

I read your comment before the silence break. Got chills. The sacrifice of those men deserves to be remembered.

[@Zalmander42]

Took the text right out my hand, was thinking the same exact thing. The pauses are so strategically placed i almost began to tear up. I wish my history teachers back in the day were even half as good as THG.

[@BlueBaron3339]

Yes, articulate silence indeed.

[@Andrew-13579]

Yes, that's one of the things I like about THG. He's a professional!

[@KCODacey]

Agreed. When that moment occurred I thought, "He's doing this purposefully. And it's the right thing to do." Thank you "History Guy." Hand salute!

[@malcomlovejoy]

My Uncle Bud Johnson worked on the F-4 Phantoms early 60's, I thought he did sheet metal stuff, little more than that...He told my dad that the F-4's had a cockpit error that was preventing a clean ejection, with pilots already dead because of it. Him and his team located AND fixed the trouble, later in a week or so a group of men approached them,ALL Phantom pilots ...come to thank them personally, Langley AFB early mid-sixties

[@wagner9050]

Thanks 4 sharing!

[@warped-sliderule]

A little added information: From it's arrival in '69 until at least '78 (when I first saw it) the XB-70 sat outside at Wright-Pat. At the time, I thought it was a shame to be out there wasting away. Glad it was restored and put inside where it is a much more impressive sight. Thank you History Guy...

[@johnhutchison9782]

It was still outside in 83 when I went to Wright-Patterson. It hurt my heart to see it outside, but it did allow me the ability to sneak past the cables and go up and touch the front landing gear. Something I probably couldn't do these days now that it is indoors.

[@raymondkoonce5827]

I was flying an F-111A flight test plane out of Carswell AFB that day. It was a sad time for all of us in USAF.

[@gringogreen4719]

That's a very badass plane too! Never really got the Fighter designation when it looks to be more of an Attack/Bomber style design. It must have been fun to fly.

[@raymondkoonce5827]

@@gringogreen4719 The 111 was arguably the best weapons platform this country, or any other for that matter, ever built. Amazing technology for a system built in the early 1960s.

[@gringogreen4719]

@@raymondkoonce5827 It's a very cool plane! I got to see those at Nellis during the Red Flag and Gunsmoke events. Living on that base you saw everything there. The weekend wheee they opened up the flightline to the public, thise were great as a little boy! The designs were and are so inspiring for anything. I mainly grew up around Fighter Wings so mainly F-16s and F-15s. The Ardvark was a really cool "other" plane I got to see time to time. It was massive too compared to the other fighters. I will ask again, why Fighter? Why not an Attck designation like the A-7?

[@raymondkoonce5827]

@@gringogreen4719 The fighter designation was not really appropriate, though I did get jumped by MiG-21s a couple of times. Easy enough to get away clean, just pulled a few maneuvers to gain a little room and outran the suckers. The 111 was a lot faster than I ever saw published. Yes, it was fun to fly. Not as much as the F-104, but fun and very easy. And big. Combat gross varied around 100,000 pounds and she carried over 7,000 gallons of JP-4.

[@gringogreen4719]

Nice! The MIG 21 looked to be a fun plane to fly in it's own right. Completely different philosophy from western designs. Did you hear about the Spark-Vark that got a kill in Desert Storm? That one is a cool Dogfight video here on KZbin.

[@nates9536]

I live in Ohio and have been to the Dayton Air Force museum a number of times. They should just have your videos playing constantly. They don't do justice to the aircraft on display the way you do

[@RichardCranium321]

Ever make it further east to Auburn IN? The Auburn, Cord, Duesenberg festival & museum has a TON of history from motor development to cars to airplane + battleship + submarine engines & much more.

[@johnnysilverhand6045]

I'm from the Dayton area, practically grew up in that museum and remember it fondly. So many great examples of history in those old hangers

[@jackzimmer6553]

The best part is the museum is free! I too, live in Dayton and have made my fair share of trips there.

[@RichardCranium321]

@Big AL I seen the one and only 1968 Z28 convertible to roll off the production line (Chevy CEO wanted one, so they made ONE) as well as a 60's Shelby w/17 original miles, title was still in Karl Shelby's name. The Shelby sold for $1.7M and the camaro started bidding at $1.2M but only got to 1.575 & the owner turned it down, said no way a one off Chevy was worth less than a Ford. It was of course a joke, but he was wanting 1.8-2M... well worth the time to go if you can stand the heat. Take my Advice if u go, rent a golf cart, probably 150-200 acres of cars & cool stuff, looong way to walk

[@CharlieTechie]

That is a great idea to have your video there.

[@davidwilliams1820]

I remember seeing the XB-70 that day in December 1968. I was walking home from school in Dayton when I heard the roar overhead. I looked up and there she was - the last Valkyrie. I will never forget that magnificent sight!

[@thinktonka]

I was a 7 year old child when my parents brought me to the Air Force Museum in Dayton in 1969. All displays were outside at the time! The Valkyrie was my favorite plane that day, B-36 a close second! I have seen this plane 3 times since and my jaw hits the floor every time! Thank you for this video!

[@sharedknowledge6640]

This is one of your better videos. It should be required study for anyone getting a degree in business or marketing. So often bad things happen when senior management, in this case those at GE, refuse to listen to people who know better. This really IS history that deserves to be remembered and could help avoid a lot of expensive mistakes and even loss of life.

[@f3xpmartian]

Another side to that coin is the upper brass in the Air Force that was wanting that plane. I believe Gen. Curtis LeMay was one wanting it.

[@sharedknowledge6640]

Jason Bowman It’s easy to say someone should object to those higher up but the reality is that’s not the way things work in the military. And opposing management is often job suicide in private industry. So management expects to get their way whatever their ignorance and the ultimate costs.

[@hscollier]

I hope you are making a good living off of your work here, because you ‘do history’ better than any channel on cable and any other history forum that I know of. It’s obvious that you do “love history.” Thank you.

[@JG-mp5nb]

My Father was an aircraft sheet metal worker on bird #1. I clearly recall waiting in line to climb up the ladder where one of the pilot’s waited, asking us if would like a better look inside! At eight years of age you can well imagine how impressive it was. This was on the day of rollout for the families of the worker’s too get a look at what was then a secret. Thanks for the coverage History Guy, the X-B70 resulted in great strides in technologic aircraft development.

[@MegaPeedee]

The silence at the end was moving. A tribute in itself.

[@profpep]

One senator remarked that the plane had cost more than it's weight in gold. I heard it said that one of the pilots who made the final flight to deliver it to Wright Patterson quipped "he would do anything to keep it in the air apart from pay the fuel bill". The loss of Joe walker was tragic. He was one of the greats.

[@cesarebeccaria7641]

That worth its weight in gold comment was when the price of gold was pegged by the U.S. government at $41 an ounce.

[@control_the_pet_population]

I'm sure it cost more than it's weight in gold when you consider only two were made... The return on design / engineering investment doesn't come into play until you build a few hundred of them.

[@MarinCipollina]

@@cesarebeccaria7641 $35 an oz

[@blainekelley816]

The plane in Dayton, OH sat outside on display for years. After they added more indoor display hangers it was moved inside. I remember seeing it there as a child. It is beyond impressive. I just revisited the museum in December, and among so many amazing aircraft, the XB-70 remains the most stunning at the museum.

[@DefenseInnovations]

I live 40 mins from the AF Museum and everytime I go I enjoy sitting and taking in the majesty of the XB70. The national museum of the USAF is arguably one of the best museums in the country, especially for air craft.

[@sbains560]

I agree with you sir I was there 2 years ago What a beautiful plane It took 3.5 days to see the entire facility It was a once in a lifetime trip I even met the assistant to the director while on the floor

[@chuckschillingvideos]

We are very blessed to have so many fantastic aviation museums in this country. USAF Museum is fantastic, but so is Udvar-Hazy (and if they ever allow visitors again, the Garber restoration facility is beyond belief). But there's also the Navy's museum in Pensacola, Paul Allen's museum in Seattle, the Pima museum, Fantasy of Flight in Florida. So many places one can visit across the country. Anyone with an interest in aviation owes it to him or herself to try to get to as many of these great aviation museums as they can.

[@clintcannon1902]

Is that the one on static display at Wright-Patterson? I saw that on a field trip in high school a bunch of years ago, and have never forgotten the imposing bird standing there...insanely impressive.

[@chuckschillingvideos]

@@clintcannon1902 Yep. The sole surviving Valkyrie.

[@clintcannon1902]

@@chuckschillingvideos it's nice to see they moved it indoors. Ohio winters are not good for retired airplanes.

[@keithburch8582]

I had a patient years ago who was one of the electrical engineers that worked on this project. He said that from a design standpoint it was an extremely complex and amazing aircraft.

[@sidv4615]

Any chance you are still in touch with him

[@dennisshoffner5201]

I worked at Edwards AFB for two weeks short of 30 years. For the last 20 of those years I was the Community Relations Chief for the base. I retired in 2017. A large part of my community relations work was to run the tour program for the base. I personally conducted from 150 to over 200 tours per year during those 20 years. As such I was familiar with the XB-70 story. I’ve got to say that your explanation of the program and the events around the final flight of the aircraft lost was the best I’ve ever heard. I also grew up in the Antelope Valley area and attended church with Joe Walker. Thank you for your skillful telling. //Dennis Shoffner

[@kaguya6900]

Owned the model as a kid, and as a teenager, I went to see the Valkyrie at the museum in Dayton. Magnificent plane with a tragic past. Thanks for recounting it.

[@johnhutchison9782]

I too had a 1:144 scale model. Wish I could have found a 1:72 version. No internet search in the early 80s. Only the catalogues at the local hobby shop.

[@joevarga5982]

@@johnhutchison9782 I had the model too, lol. Bought it in the gift shop at the Wright Patterson USAF Museum.

[@gkarjala]

As a kid, the XB 70 was my favorite thing at the AF Museum It has expanded greatly since.If you get a chance, visit the mueseum. Out of towners have often said it is a worthy destination alone.We kinda wrongly take it for granted.

[@ScooterFXRS]

"...several Air Force officers, ... were faulted for allowing the flight to occur...." You can bet your pay check that if they had refused to do this dog and pony show they would have had their backsides so chewed on they would not be able to sit for a week, in the least. Much better to find fault with a dead man. Welcome to the early years of the corporate military complex. Everything is worth sacrificing for shareholders, including you.

[@tomperkins5657]

Thinking of The Challenger, not sure it's all behind us. In fact, history really does repeat itself with each new generation.

[@bricefleckenstein9666]

More that the Air Force Chief of Staff probably thought it was a good idea - and crossing HIM was a good way to end your career.

[@simplyamazing880]

People who prevent problems are always unpopular.

[@mayoite160]

not a word on whether those suits ever faced any kind of repercussions

[@servico100]

Because there are men who dare, we are who we are Thank you, Sir.

[@JarrodFrates]

servico100 That is a powerful turn of phrase. I thought it must be a quote from someone, but it seems you are the first.

[@voornaam3191]

@NPCs Can’t Laugh The feminists have had a huge fight in the 19th century in my country. But most people have no idea what real freedom is. Just like homosexuality, it is none of your business what other people do. Back off, why do you want to know about other peoples private life? Who the fuck are you? People have freedom. All people. What's different for women? What's different for the GLBT-alfabet? There is only one problem, we live in a hardcore sexist society. Girls are supposed to be so flipping different from boys, women and men seldom work together in a 50/50 ratio, the boss is a man, the president is a man, gay marriage is a problem. And that BS has been that way for a 1000 years. So, don't wait for feminists, teach your daughter that she does not have to turn into a weak, timid, clothes and haircuts obsessed moron, married to a fool who rules HER life. Everone is a person and being man or woman has some practical implications, but teach her to be aware of the cultural and social influence and choose for herself what to accept and what to decline. One can comply and one can fight them, be aware what is expected from you. Exampe, if everybody in your villages gets married early and get children, moving to New York and going to university is not considered normal. What do she want?! So, you do not even need feminists, if enough people start breaking that suffocating oldfashioned hyperconservatice society of yours. When women are not getting an equal chance, you can raise your voice, no matter if you are a man. Just watch around you and do a little count, when you do not see 50/50 in quite a bunch of people, there is something wrong. Do something about it yourself. Not only the women will benefit, you will see things are better when that sexist culture has changed.

[@MothaLuva]

And we are who? Semicivilized primates with baseball caps and automatic weapons. Nothing to be particularly proud about.

[@Abbeville_Kid]

I remember the first time I saw a picture of it when I was a teen back in the early eighties. I didn’t know it ever existed. I went from excitement to sadness when the photos caption read, “Picture taken of the Valkyrie seconds before the F-104 chase plane rolled into and collided with the Aircraft, destroying both.”

[@fire304]

A story I've heard before, but never in such a manner as to be a tribute to the men who were lost. Thank you.

[@timrussell1559]

Enough cannot be said about those incredibly brave pilots who regularly climbed into experimental aircraft that could(and often did) take their lives upon every single flight they took. We owe the technology and safe aircraft that we have today because of these incredible people. May they eternally rest in peace, and their enormous contributions never ever be forgotten

[@mongomoonbladder8023]

Two remarkable airmen. One beautiful aircraft. R.I.P.

[@raymondsartor9228]

As a husband to a USAF officer stationed at WPAFB, I went to the museum many times in the 90s. As part of the XB-70 display at that time, they played the video of the actual crash, probably on a loop. I was hoping to see it again. As always, this is a great and interesting video. Thanks for all you do.

[@clydebalcom8252]

Thanks for not allowing the XB-70 Valkyrie to be forgotten.

[@riverraisin1]

As a young boy, I was lucky enough to see the XB-70 at Wright-Patterson in either 1969 or 70. It was still parked outside at the time. I was in awe of the sheer size and complex systems. Even today it remains my favorite aircraft.

[@stocchinet]

The XB-70 is one of my favourite aircraft design, such a beautiful futuristic plane

[@iDEATH]

I think it influenced a ton of science fiction artists too. I've seen so many "spaceplane" looking star ships from 70s and 80s art that look like the XB-70 or SR-71 (or some hybrid of the two). It's easy to see why, as you said, it's beautiful.

[@Sinpsycle]

Ikr? At first, I thought it was the Concord.

[@gregwhite4457]

Check out the Canadaian AVO Arrow...1957 and very advanced delta wing. Program cancellation in 59 is still a sore point with Canadians- who were leaders in aerospace.

[@Alan-in-Bama]

NATO (U.S.) politics ! I'm a proud American, but I have much respect for the Arrow and it's developers.

[@meltedplasticarmyguy]

As he stated a visit to the National Museum of the United States Air Force at Wright-Patterson AFB in Dayton, OH is well worth it. It is larger than the Smithsonian section on flight. If you take the guided tour it can take up to 6 hours to walk through. It is free and open to the public. I live not more than 5 miles from there and I frequent it often. New aircraft are added constantly and new buildings are built every few years.

[@meltedplasticarmyguy]

Just up the road from the museum is Wright Hill where there is memorial and an overlook. From the overlook you can see Huffman Prairie where the Wright Brothers built and tested their flyers after the successful flight at Kittyhawk, NC. The field is on the base next to an active flightline and can only be accessed by the public with a day pass and at certain times. Near downtown Dayton you can see the Wright bicycle shop where the brothers first designed their first flyer.

[@christopherwaldrop8115]

One of the best channels on you KZbin. Simple. No nonsense. Educational. Non-offensive. Politically neutral. Well done.

[@jefftuckercfii]

Who could possibly click thumbs down on this video? Anyone who did needs his/her head examined. I was 9 years old when this happened. The XB-70 was my favorite aircraft; I had built a model of it the previous year. I was absolutely crushed when I heard the news. It didn't deter me from wanting to fly, which was my dream, but with eyesight issues the military wouldn't accept me for pilot training, so it took until my 30s before I could realize that dream. Thank you, History Guy, for preserving this story and remembering those who gave their lives that day.

[@WhiteStone21475]

To simply say, 'Thank you for your service,' of the outstanding men who fill these positions for our Country is not enough. However, it is all I can offer.

[@drtizz9354]

The Valkyrie was the main reason I would go to the USAF Museum in Dayton. Impressive up close!

[@Wildcat5181]

I have been to Lackland AFB, Pope AFB, Charleston Joint Base, and Little Rock AFB and seen their static displays. They are all amazing.

[@richardmillhousenixon]

I'm lucky to live only 15 minutes from the USAF museum and, holy hell that plane is massive. Also two SR-71's (tho technically one is an A-12 but the display calls it a SR-71) and one X-15

[@dmutant2635]

@@richardmillhousenixon That museum may well be the eighth wonder of the world.

[@richardmillhousenixon]

@@dmutant2635 I'm not even that much of an aviation enthusiast and I still 100% agree with that statement. It is absolutely fascinating

[@robert9961]

I am old enough to remember the many ideas floating around about how aircraft should be developed. I was 11 when this plane crashed. Back then, images of the aircraft were all over the place. It seemed to be a time when anything was possible with enough determination and effort. People pushed ahead with all they had. This quality is needed much more today!

[@Miklos82]

I grew up about an hour away from WPAFB and have visited frequently. Even while I lived in Texas, when I came back to visit my parents, I'd frequently make a trip to Dayton to check-out the latest displays at the NMUSAF. It was about 3 or 4 years ago I got a most surprising feeling as I drove into the parking lot. I could not see the XB70 that had been on display outdoors. A sinking feeling hit the pit of my stomach- I hoped to God they had not melted it down for scrap. Inside the museum, I found a docent and asked him what happened to the XB70. "Go look thru the window at the new hangar that's opening up next month", he said. There in all it's glory was the Magnificent aerodynamic antique B-70.To the staff of the NMUSAF, I thank-you for saving it.

[@cseguin]

They didn't _really_ give their lives for the development of science and technology - not on this flight, at least - they gave their lives for a photo op . . . which makes the tragedy even worse, imho.

[@ComradePhoenix]

I just keeping about that Sabaton song The Price of a Mile, and thinking "What's the price of a photo op?".

[@dalethelander3781]

It's called "waxing poetic."

[@GBLynden]

I agree, I work in marketing/PR and the lengths people will go to get a picture can be insane.

[@epoxeclipse]

don't get too hung up on the fact it was a photo op, get hung up on the fact it changed nothing and corporate America still operates this way today. that's the real tragedy.

[@sssssssspoon]

I've always been troubled by the line, "they gave their lives..." I can't imagine anyone giving their lives with so little to gain as research or records or testing or even a photograph. They lost their lives.

[@TastyBusiness]

Joe Walker is one of my favorite test pilots and astronauts. His flights 90 and 91 in the X-15 crossed above the Karman line, making him the 13th person to fly into space (after 6 Vostok and 6 Mercury missions).

[@vintageeveryday2020]

The brief silent pause after the crash narrative was appropriate, and a nice touch.

[@peterhart1966]

"This guy and his videos", a quote from my then 12yr old son when asked how he was so adept in all things history. He was like a walking encyclopedia without being a know it all. Thanks THG

[@michaelwier1222]

I built a plastic model of this as a kid. Beautiful plane!! I wish more were built but I understand why they weren't. Happy that there is one left and on display. Thanks for the video.

[@Pseudo_Boethius]

ANYONE who does a history video of the XB-70 deserves my support. You've just gained yourself a new subscriber. Thank you History Guy!

[@knightowl3577]

The loss of the aircraft was disappointing but the loss of two brave men was the real tragedy.

[@frankenzion0001]

I've been fortunate to have visited Dayton AFB, and got to see the remaining Valkyrie. She's gorgeous. Just sitting still on the ground, she looks like she's about to break the sound barrier.

[@andyrichardsvideovlogs8835]

Best description of the Valkyrie incident I've ever seen. Well done 👌

[@Superdummy803]

That was a great narration. Love the XB-70 great aircraft, just past its time. The test pilots and more importantly the engineers behind it, who used only slide rules, no computers to bring it to life, should never be forgotten.

[@Kevin_747]

I have two favorites at Wright-Pat. The Valkyrie and the B58 Hustler. I'm sure those ships helped influence my decision to be a career pilot. Thanks History Guy, as usual very well done.

[@davidfusco6600]

I wish that my high school had someone like the History Guy. Everybody would have gotten an A! Thanks History Guy!

[@arminaskitty3177]

Just discovered your channel. I think one of the things I’m liking the most is how quietly respectful you are of the lost. Nothing dramatic or overt just quiet moments to observe that people lost their lives in these moments of history. Thank you and please keep it up in this day and age of “glorified” death.

[@solcalsteve198]

Another wonderful history lesson. One I was sorta part of. My dad worked on the XB-70s while I was a little kid. I was on the runway when the first XB-70 ever took off. I was only 7 at the time, and still have a home movie of that day my dad made. History is cool, thanks History Guy.

[@tadroid3858]

The Air Force Museum @ Wright-Pat is the best FREE venue you'll ever visit. It's enormous. Thanks for another great story.

[@rogerd777]

I just saw it at the NMUSAF last weekend, along with many other historic aircraft including Memphis Belle and Bockscar.

[@ihave1god]

I was raised in Southern California and my dad would take me to Edwards AFB for armed forces day weekend every year. I was lucky enough to see both of the XB70s. Thank you for this great video. It brought back a lot of memories both good and bad.

[@sidv4615]

Did you ever see the shuttle land there?

[@ihave1god]

@@sidv4615 No, we moved out to NJ in the late 60"s and I didn't get back to Edward's until 81 when I was stationed at Nellis in Las Vegas and that was the last time I was there.

[@sidv4615]

@@ihave1god were you in the air force?

[@ihave1god]

@@sidv4615 yes, from 1974 -1990.

[@craiglizt8074]

I grew up in the 80s in Southern CA in a town called Lancaster and played basketball for my elementary school. At the end of the season we'd play a tournament at a middle school named 'Joe Walker.' I never knew anything behind the name of the school until years later when I joined the US Air Force and happened upon the history of the XB-70. Now that I know more, I am honored to have stepped into the school named after him. My son and I recently visited the Air Force Museum at WPAFB in Ohio and saw the last remaining XB-70. Such a beautiful plane! I told my son the story about plane, the crash, and the school named in honor of Joe Walker. My father was a jet engine mechanic at Edwards AFB and worked on the engines in the XB-70--it's amazing how our lives are intertwined.

[@ronriesinger7755]

Great video. My father-in-law was one of many engineers that worked on the XB-70 program. I still have one of the pins given out to those who participated. Even that small replica is awesome looking!

[@johnhutchison9782]

That is badass, Ron! 🤘🤘

[@bazonka1]

Another story well told. Thank you again History Guy.

[@Raynl1978]

Just wanted to thank you for your content. You amaze me by your ability to make content on anything including political related events without making it political. It's a breath of fresh air in a crazy world

[@charlesseymour1482]

Thank you so much for laying the blame on the GE managers and not the pilots. They died for a GE promo shoot. True history shared with no bias or agenda. Your site is a golden Treasure of little known historical events. Well done. Signed True Fan of the HG

[@Skytrooper82d]

Brave men KIA for corporate photo op..The worst of both worlds..Military idiocracy and corporate blindness to reality makes for a lethal mix.. smh..Well done, History Guy..

[@DavidHukill]

Thank you so much for doing this video. The Valkyrie has always been, and always will be, one of my favorite aircraft. It has always saddened me very deeply to know that due to some very poor decisions, 2 lives were lost, along with one the world’s greatest aircraft. I visited the remaining Valkyrie in Dayton with my son a few years back. I could hardly take my eyes off of her. The USAF Museum itself is fantastic, but the Valkyrie steals the show. I highly recommend a visit for all who appreciate aircraft history. RIP Carl Cross and Joe Walker. 😢

[@stevenmacdonald9619]

History Guy I'm only sorry I don't have any influence on Netflix or even Disney + You should have your own programme in which you could extend your videos into maybe 30min episodes. I still wouldn't miss one. Your narration is relaxing, educational and never patronising. Your tone, and voice has the ability to add focus, emotion and importance where necessary. You are truly in a class of your own in this field. Even to British ears. If you had been my Professor... I would have attended University 👍👍👍

[@DaveWrightKB9MNM]

I grew up in Indianapolis, and my dad used to take the family to WPAFB when I was little. Then, early 70's, the larger planes mostly sat outside. The Valkaryie was the strangest thing I had ever seen, and as a young boy, it made an impression on me. To learn the history of that aircraft makes me feel closer to it than ever before.

[@Ash007YT]

I love Aviation history so many interesting things to learn.

[@davasaurthereal4678]

Ash oh hey you watch THG too? I saw your comments in Mark Felton’s vids.

[@Dave-ty2qp]

And it's still being written today. I started working Aircraft in 1962, and retired two years ago, and never got bored because the field continuously advanced. Learning curve was always steep. Opportunities always there.

[@frankieford7668]

An incredible Story....i remember hereing it on the news when i was a young man...I do believe there is one error in the Story....The XB-70 gain compression lift from the Supersonic shockwave with the wing tips in the Lowered position....They were meant to be used at "High Speed"...They lowered the wing tips...purely for the GE photo op....because it would look better... Lowering the tips at "low speed"....caused the increase in wing tip vorteces...Which may have pulled Walkers F-104 into the wing...All high altitude Mach 3 videos of the XB-70 are with wing tips Down...

[@frankieford7668]

@cromwell2007 He doesn't understand how compression lift works...it traps the supersonic shockwave under the wing between the engine cowl and the lowered wing tips...this only occurs at Supersonic speed..and increases lift...which allowed the XB-70 to operate at a higher altitude....The concept was proven "sound"..by North American Aviation....Has nothing to do with low speed flight....The wing tips were lowerd simply for ascetics for the GE photo Op....

[@raymondlowry8564]

My Father worked on a number of projects in the 60’s that had him spending time at Edwards. I was only a teenager but I still recall hearing him mentioning the thinking at Edwards AFB was just what you said- tip vortices pulled Walkers F-104 up and across the XB-70, taking out the vertical stabilizers. Somewhere put away I think I still have the issue of Aviation Week and Space Technology that had the pictures in sequence showing this tragic event. I’ll never forget that. I did get to see the plane take off once- absolutely the loudest thing I have ever heard!

[@michaelcarey]

I have always been impressed by the XB-70... a beautiful aircraft. Thank you for this, certainly History that deserves to Be Remembered.

[@QuantumRift]

I am 62, and one of the first aircraft models I ever built as a kid was of the XB-70 Valkyrie. I've seen it several times at the Air Force Museum at Wright-Patt. First time it was sitting outside and I was able to go up an touch it before I was shooed away. Impressive aircraft. It was one of the reasons I pursued a degree in aeronautical engineering years later.

[@bobjohnson9820]

I can't remember how much history I have learned here... Love these lessons! Thank you.

[@jonwatkins254]

Great Episode! Around 1990 I went to the Air Force Museum and enjoyed a wonderful display that started with Birds and Icarus at the beginning of flight and moving through the displays chronologically. Toward the end departing the incredible B-36, I was looking forward to see the SR-71. Entering the last hall looking for the Blackbird, instead I was blown away by the massive and futuristic bright white XB-70. Underneath the wing was a diminutive black airplane. 20 years later I returned to the Air Force Museum and the cavalcade through time was gone. The XB-70 was not displayed. A reorganization had taken place, much to my disappointment.

[@jeffreyharrison4111]

I was assigned to WPAFB while in the AF and in 1972 was working in Aeronautical Systems Division in Area B traveling daily to the BOQ in Area C on a base shuttle bus (I had no car at the time). After picking me up, the shuttle swung by the AF museum and, in doing so, drove right under the forward section of the one remaining XB-70. This was a real bus, like a school bus only shorter. When you realize that the "nose" gear on the XB-70 comes down from right at the beginning of the air inlet, I was probably directly under the cockpit as the bus was going under it. I got a real good look at the plane and I remain impressed to this day at its size.

[@makattak88]

The History Guy is one of my top 10 youtubers.

[@shawnr771]

History Guy, is the best history channel on youtube. For me in my top 5 youtubers. I wont rate them any closer than that because each of them cover different subjects. History Guy, Paul Harrell, Forgotten Weapons, Bushcraft Radical, Corporals Corner.

[@lardee45]

@@shawnr771 ko

[@thomaswinnen4365]

My dad worked on this project

[@FXFlinn]

My dad also, led the Sperry Gyroscope team that built its inertial guidance system.

[@MrIluvstrats]

My father, Lt Col Joe Davies, became operations officer at Plant 42 in 1964 and took me out to watch the initial fight of the B 70. I was in 4th grade and still recall that day very fondly.

[@daveluttinen2547]

I went to the Air Force Museum in Dayton, Ohio in August 2001; seeing the XB-70 for the first time was surprisingly emotional. It is just an airplane! Yet I was deeply moved seeing that magnificent aircraft in person. Last Christmas season (December, 2018) I took my BFF to see it, for me, again - and I was still blown away. It is a wonderful museum and if you can, go. Take a whole day! Thank you, THG for this video.

[@k1m198]

I attended Joe Walker Middle School out here in the Antelope Valley! I never knew about this tragic backstory, though... Thank you for making this video.

[@dukesjeepsandtrails8511]

I'm from Dayton and have seen it many times. My dad was there the day the second one landed there for the last time. Very Impressive machine even to this day.

[@MrCapi55]

What is really Lovely, and Stunning of these aircraft Videos, is the Cockpit Photos.

[@kfeltenberger]

I remember visiting Wright Patterson as a kid and later as an adult, and the thrill and awe I had as a child seeing the XB-70 was just as strong when I saw it as an adult. I look back at what we accomplished with raw brainpower and slide rules and how quickly they were designed and built and have to ask what have we lost today by going to computers? The XB-70 went from concept to production to static display in less time than it did for the F-22 to go from *winning* the ATF competition in 1991 to operational status in 2005.

[@hunterjones225]

This story brings me to tears every time I hear it. While from a military standpoint the Valkyrie was obsolete, it was a monolith of technology and aerospace research. Losing it and veteran test pilots over a photo shoot... I'm just glad that growing up in Ohio I was able to see the surviving sample.

[@Skelatorix]

Shout out from Dayton! The Valkyrie is one amazing aircraft to see in person. A shame of a waste of life for a brochure.

[@PintoPopProductions]

The Valkyrie was one of my favorite airplanes when I was a kid. Thank you for the insight into an accident I was aware of, but only knew a little. Such a shame that two lives and so much valuable pilot experience were lost for such a trivial purpose.

[@taketimeout2share]

Without doubt the Valkyrie is the most spectacular plane ever designed - and built. To me it was the embodiment of the future that the great United States seemed to promise me as a boy living in wet and boring England. Everything you people made was just breathtaking, the Hustler, Nasa exploits in Space, the X-15, my list could run on.... The USA took the world on a technology ride I have not forgotten. Thank you guys.

[@lycossurfer8851]

I clicked "like" and play almost as fast as this thing flies.

[@MeshFrequency]

I clipped the unsubscribe wing accidentally and crashed in to a trending now section. To my luck i hit Return button on time and safley landed in the comments section to tell about it.

[@mookzmom]

You just won the internetz

[@susanjohnson6754]

Nicely done! One of the best descriptions of the XB-70 I’ve ever heard. Thank you

[@johnkelley9877]

Having visited the Museum of the United States Air Force I have seen the XB-70 many times and I was always amazed at how large and beautiful it is. Thanks for sharing this and reminding us of the sacrifice of these brave pilots.

[@1Drgnrydr]

Awesome presentation . My favorite aircraft ever built. Went to the museum just to see it . Incredible museum for aviation buffs

[@michaelhearons2088]

I attended Joe Walker Middle School in Lancaster Ca and this is the first time I have ever heard the story of his crash. Thank you for the story.

[@Kaptin77]

Ive lived in Dayton most of my life and have been to the museum alot and the XB-70 is still one of my favorites that the museum has, that thing is huge!

[@johnnysilverhand6045]

same here, I always loved that f4 phantom cockpit you could get into in the same hanger as the 70

[@copper-tc6un]

I began watching the first of your episodes with only mild interest, but quickly became impressed with the succinct and detailed way you frame the story. Big thumbs up and keep em coming, from a fellow history buff. Great job!

[@longlakeshore]

I was in first grade when the XB-70 flew to WPAFB in February 1969. It was a brilliantly clear cold winter day. Our entire grade school in suburban Dayton, Ohio was ushered out onto the front lawn to watch the plane fly over. It wasn't just my school. The crew deliberately circled the Dayton area to give thousands of school kids a chance to see this beautiful aircraft in flight before it landed for the final time. A few years later it made news again when it was towed along the highway from the old AF Museum at Patterson Field to the new museum at Wright Field where it sits today.

[@Ammo08]

Retired Air Force vet here, (SAC, TAC, and MAC). One of your best videos.

[@surfmanx796]

Powerful story told very well. The loss of these exceptional men who did exceptional things, is such a truly sad thing.

[@pg1171]

Another exceptionally told, though sad story. Thank you, History Guy, for telling this story. It is by far the best version I have ever heard. May those brave men rest in peace, and their families and loved ones find solace in the fact that they passed while doing what they loved. Thank you!

[@joeljohnson3515]

I always marveled at the clam shell ejection capsule.

[@bassmith448bassist5]

This has to be the best account of this accident I have ever seen. Big thumbs up!!!!!!!

[@JessHull]

I saw this at the museum when I was a kid still one of my favorite aircraft ever. Oddly enough iut was taken out by my other favorite aircraft...the starfighter.

[@toddbellows5282]

The Starfighter was also known as the widowmaker.

[@GWhizard]

Awesome this guy is. He deserves to be remembered.