Has the Checkmate failed, and the last flight of the Valkyrie
Why the Su-75 may likely never get built and remembering the last flight of the XB-70 Valkyrie
“When I think of the enlisted force I see dedication, determination, loyalty and valor .”
-Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Paul W. Airey, First Chief Master Sergeant of the United States Air Force
Mission Briefing
In what seems like another lifetime, the Su-75 “Checkmate” was revealed to the world back in 2021. At the time, the unveiling jet captured the attention of enthusiasts and experts alike. However, as the dust settles and we examine the details, it becomes evident that the Su-75 might be more hype than reality.
Recently, the grand announcement from Russia's aerospace giant, Rostec, outlined plans to construct the first Su-75 prototype, with a target takeoff date in 2025. This marked a two-year delay from the original timeline, which immediately raised some eyebrows in the aviation community. Furthermore, as it stands today, potential buyers seem hesitant to express interest in this new model.
The Su-75 was introduced as a lightweight, 5th-generation fighter jet, proudly showcasing its design and model at the International Aviation and Space Salon MAKS 2021. It is important to note that the introduction showcased a wooden mockup and not a fully built out design. The aircraft's main selling point is its stealth capabilities, catering primarily to foreign customers who might find the Su-57 too large, complex, and costly for their needs.
In terms of specifications, the Su-75 is described as a single-engine, single-person aircraft, with plans for both two-person and unmanned versions in the future. It boasts the capability to reach speeds of Mach 2 and cover an impressive range of approximately 1802 miles. Its expected starting weight is around 19.8 tons, and it is said to be capable of carrying a combat load weighing up to 8.2 tons. Additionally, plans suggest that various types of missiles will be stored in internal compartments to minimize the aircraft's radar signature.
One noteworthy feature highlighted by the Russians is the Su-75's ability to operate effectively amidst strong radio-electronic combat interference while simultaneously engaging multiple targets. This certainly adds to the intrigue surrounding this new aircraft.
However, despite these ambitious plans and promises, there seems to be a lack of confidence from investors and potential buyers. It's important to note that, as of now, the Su-75 still exists solely as a project, accompanied by impressive models and captivating marketing videos. Its technical specifications are based on the assurances of its creators rather than concrete real-world data.
To put things in perspective, Sukhoi's most recent aircraft, the Su-57, took off in 2010 and reached its initial operational readiness in 2019. If we optimistically assume that the Russian aviation industry maintains a similar pace, potential buyers might not see the Su-75 in action until around 2040.
In conclusion, while the Su-75 generates plenty of buzz and excitement, it's essential to approach it with a dose of skepticism. The aviation world is no stranger to grand announcements, but the road from prototype to operational aircraft is often longer and more uncertain than it seems. Only time will tell if the Su-75 lives up to its hype or remains a promising project on paper.
This week in aviation history
4 February 1969: In the annals of aviation history, there are aircraft that leave an indelible mark, and the North American Aviation XB-70A-1-NA Valkyrie, tail number 62-0001, is undoubtedly one of them. Its swan song flight took place as it gracefully soared from Edwards Air Force Base, California, to its final destination at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. This poignant journey marked the end of an era, with NASA Research Test Pilot Fitzhugh L. Fulton, Jr., a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Air Force (Retired), and Lieutenant Colonel Emil Sturmthal, U.S. Air Force, at the helm as the distinguished flight crew.
Upon touching down at Wright-Patterson, Fulton ceremoniously closed out the log book, a record of the XB-70A's remarkable exploits, and entrusted it to the curator of the National Museum of the United States Air Force—a fitting resting place for a piece of aviation history.
The XB-70A Valkyrie was more than just an aircraft; it was a testament to innovation and engineering prowess. Taking to the skies for the first time on September 21, 1964, this Mach 3+ prototype strategic bomber and high-speed, high-altitude research plane completed a total of 83 flights, accumulating an impressive 160 hours and 16 minutes of flight time.
Notably, 62-0001 was the pioneer of a trio of prototype Mach 3+ strategic bombers. Unfortunately, the third prototype, XB-70B 62-0208, remained incomplete. The Valkyrie's design pushed the boundaries of technology, necessitating the development of specialized materials and manufacturing techniques. With its large delta wing, forward canard, and two vertical fins, the aircraft was a marvel of engineering. What set it apart was the ability to lower the outer 20 feet of each wing to angles of 25° or 65° during high-speed flight. This not only enhanced directional stability but also contributed to compression lift, supporting up to 35% of the aircraft's weight during flight.
The XB-70A Valkyrie boasted impressive dimensions, measuring 185 feet and 10 inches in length, with a wingspan of 105 feet and an overall height of 30 feet and 9 inches. Its delta wing featured a 0° angle of incidence and 0° dihedral, although the second XB-70A had a 5° dihedral. The wing had a 3.0° negative twist and a 58.0° sweepback at 25% chord. With a total wing area of 6,297 square feet, this aircraft was a true behemoth. Its empty weight stood at 231,215 pounds, while its maximum takeoff weight reached an astounding 521,056 pounds.
Powering the XB-70A were six General Electric YJ93-GE-3 turbojet engines, remarkable pieces of engineering in their own right. These afterburning single-shaft axial-flow turbojets featured an 11-stage compressor section and a two-stage turbine. They delivered a Normal Power rating of 17,700 pounds of thrust, 19,900 pounds for Military operations, and a maximum thrust of 28,000 pounds. All of these ratings were continuous, at 6,825 revolutions per minute. The YJ93-GE-3 engines measured 236.3 inches in length, 54.15 inches in diameter, and weighed 5,220 pounds.
In terms of performance, the XB-70A Valkyrie lived up to its reputation. It achieved a maximum speed of Mach 3.1, equivalent to 1,787 knots, 2,056 miles per hour, or 3,309 kilometers per hour, while cruising at an altitude of 73,000 feet. Its mission maximum speed was an impressive 1,721 knots, equivalent to 1,980 miles per hour or 3,187 kilometers per hour, at 79,050 feet. This remarkable aircraft could climb at a rate of 33,000 feet per minute and reach a service ceiling of 79,000 feet.
With a maximum fuel capacity of 43,646 gallons of JP-5 or JP-6, distributed across 11 tanks in the fuselage and wings, and an additional 42.4 gallons of engine oil, the XB-70A Valkyrie had an impressive range of 2,969 nautical miles, equivalent to 3,417 statute miles or 5,499 kilometers.
Tragically, the second Valkyrie, XB-70A-2-NA 62-0207, met a catastrophic fate in a mid-air collision with a Lockheed F-104N Starfighter flown by NASA Chief Research Test Pilot Joseph A. Walker on June 8, 1966. Both Walker and the B-70's co-pilot, Major Carl S. Cross of the U.S. Air Force, lost their lives in the tragic accident.
Today, XB-70A Valkyrie 62-0001 stands as a revered relic of aviation history, finding its rightful place in the collection of the National Museum of the United States Air Force—a silent testament to the daring dreams and unparalleled engineering of its time.
In case you missed it
If you’re like me, whenever anyone mentions airplanes or aviation, you have a lot to say. Check out this mug I made for my shop that you can purchase that lets others know about your passion for all things aviation:
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Photo Outlet
Because WE were inverted!!! Caught these tow as they were inverted during a pass at last year’s Wings Over Houston Airshow:
Post Flight Debrief
Back in 2021 when the Checkmate was revealed, I made a video about it, you can watch it here:
I’ve also made a video on the XB-70 Valkyrie, you can check that out here:
That’s all for this week, thanks for reading! If you know a fellow aviation enthusiast that would enjoy these weekly newsletters, then please forward this along. Now you know!
-Tog