Plane of the Day: Bell X-1

The Bell X-1 was the first aircraft to break the sound barrier. Engineered by Bell Aerospace for the United States Air Force, its first sound barrier-breaking flight occurred on October 14, 1947. Carried to altitude by a B-29 bomber from Muroc Army Airfield, the X-1 nicknamed "Glamorous Glennis" was piloted by Capt. Chuck Yeager and reached a top speed of Mach 1.06 (700 mph). The X-1 later reached Mach 1.3 and above. It was faster than any aircraft before and kept its record until 1956, when a Bell X-2 piloted by Milburn "Mel" Apt reached Mach 3.196. Tragically, he died in a crash upon his return.

Specifications

Country of Origin: United States

Speed: 957 mph (could be higher)

Armament: N/A

Range: Not released

Max Takeoff Weight: 13,500 lbs (unverified)

Powerplant: 1 × Reaction Motors XLR11-RM-3 4-chamber liquid-fueled rocket engine, 6,000 lbf (27 kN) thrust

Service Ceiling: 70,000 ft

Crew: 1

Length: 30 ft 11 in

Wingspan: 28 ft

Height: 10 ft 10 in