The flying-wing configuration we see on today's stealth aircraft like the B-2 spirit had been perfected more than half a century ago by pioneering innovators like Jack Northrop. He was instrumental in the development of the YB-35 and the jet powered YB-49 which were the most cutting-edge designs in aviation.
It is interesting to note that America's flying wing bombers were developed during World War 2 as a response requirements which needed aircraft that can bomb Germany from the continental United States.
At that time, they needed a very sleek aircraft that didn't have the drag induced by extra surfaces like the tail section. So they went ahead and developed the most radical bomber design ever to take to the skies!
It was such a shame that these aircraft never saw service due to the behind-the-scenes politics at the time.
Newsreel footage of the YB-49 Taking off
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