View of the prototype Martin XB-51, 46-685.

Both Martin XB-51s make a low pass over Baltimore. Aircraft 46-685 is on the left.

View of the prototype Martin XB-51, 46-685.

This view of the XB-51 shows the aircraft's clean lines and the 35° sweepback of the wings and tailplane. The landing gear of the XB-51 consisted of dual wheels mounted bicycle style with small outrigger wheels mounted at the wing tips.

A feature of the XB-51 was its weapon-bay door which could rotate through 180°. In this picture the bay is slightly turned for the loading position.

Both XB-51s, with 46-686 on the left. Both aircraft have been modified to incorporate the streamlined bullet at the tailplane/fin intersection.

A very early take-off photograph of the prototype XB-51, the first flight was made on October 28, 1949.

Early view of the prototype XB-51, before the addition of the streamlined tail I fin intersection bullet.

Early view of the prototype XB-51, before the addition of the streamlined tail I fin intersection bullet.