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XB-70 Valkyrie

Replica jet bomber used by Karaba during the Gryps Conflict.
Jenxi Seow Published 23 Jun 2025 Updated 23 Jun 2025
XB-70 Valkyrie

The XB-70 Valkyrie was a replica jet bomber used by Karaba during the Gryps Conflict. It was based on the design of the 20th century prototype bomber of the same name created by aerospace manufacturer North American Aviation.

History

The XB-70 Valkyrie was one of several replica aircraft stored by Karaba leader Hayato Kobayashi at the Kennedy Spaceport in Florida. The original 20th century Valkyrie was a supersonic strategic bomber capable of reaching speeds exceeding Mach 3.0 at an altitude of 21,000 metres.

In May UC 0087, during the AEUG’s assault on the Titans’ Jaburo base, Hayato used the Valkyrie replica to guide the AEUG’s seized Audhumla transport to safety after escaping from a nuclear bomb detonation at the base. The high-speed capabilities of the Valkyrie made it an ideal escort craft for the evacuation operation.

The Valkyrie successfully guided the Audhumla and its AEUG passengers to Kennedy Airport, which was under Karaba’s control. Following the completion of this mission, Karaba was forced to abandon Kennedy Airport and relocate to avoid Titans retaliation.

Design

The UC 0087 Valkyrie was a faithful replica of the original North American Aviation XB-70 prototype. The original design featured a large, six-engined aircraft with a distinctive canard-delta wing configuration built primarily of stainless steel and titanium to withstand the extreme temperatures generated during sustained supersonic flight.

The replica maintained the characteristic features of the original, including the variable-geometry wingtips that could be lowered to improve stability during high-speed flight. The aircraft’s design utilized compression lift, allowing it to “ride” its own shock wave for improved efficiency at supersonic speeds.

Performance

The Valkyrie retained the exceptional performance characteristics of its 20th century predecessor. It was capable of sustained flight at speeds exceeding Mach 3.0 at altitudes of over 21,000 metres. These capabilities made it nearly impossible for conventional interceptor aircraft to catch, as it could outrun most threats of the UC 0087 era.

The aircraft’s high-altitude, high-speed performance profile made it particularly suitable for reconnaissance missions and rapid transport of critical personnel, as demonstrated during the Jaburo evacuation.

Powerplant

The Valkyrie was powered by six afterburning turbojet engines, similar to the original design. This powerplant configuration provided the massive thrust required for sustained supersonic flight whilst maintaining operational efficiency at extreme altitudes.

Known pilots

Behind the scenes

The XB-70 Valkyrie’s appearance in Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam was based directly on the real-world North American Aviation XB-70 Valkyrie prototype bomber that flew in the 1960s. The inclusion of replica 20th century aircraft in the Universal Century timeline reflects the series’ approach to incorporating real-world military technology into its fictional setting.

Appearances

See also