Martin XB-51
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The Martin XB-51 was an American trijet ground-attack aircraft. It was designed in 1945 and made its maiden flight in 1949. It was originally designed as a bomber for the United States Army Air Forces
First prototype, 46-685 during testing
Martin's two XB-51 prototypes, seen low over the runway on a high-speed pass
Testing RATO
46-685 on approach
Toward the Unknown
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Toward the Unknown, originally called Flight Test Center and titled Brink of Hell in its UK release, is a 1956 American aviation film about the dawn of supersonic flight filmed on location at Edwards
Martin XB-51
…crashed during low-level aerobatics on 9 May 1952, killing pilot Major Neil H. Lathrop. 46-685 continued to fly, including an appearance in the film Toward the Unknown as the "Gilbert XF-120" fighter. The surviving prototype was en route to Eglin AFB to shoot additional footage when it crashed during takeoff, following…
Theatrical film poster
Aerial view of Edwards Air Force Base, California, showing the main base area located beside Rogers Dry Lake, both featured in Toward the Unknown
Screenshot of Martin XB-51 as the Gilbert XF-120 fighter with an F-100 chase plane in tow