Bell X-1

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The Bell X-1 was the first aircraft to exceed the speed of sound in controlled, level flight. It was the first of the so called X-planes, a series of aircraft designated for testing of new technologies and usually kept highly secret.

Related Topics:
Bell - Aircraft - Speed of sound - X-plane

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On October 14, 1947, Charles "Chuck" Yeager of the United States Air Force flew this aircraft, one that he had named 'Glamorous Glennis'. The rocket-powered aircraft was launched from the belly of a specially modified B-29 and glided to a landing on a runway.

Related Topics:
October 14 - 1947 - Charles "Chuck" Yeager - United States Air Force - Rocket - B-29

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The German pilot Hans Guido Mutke claimed to be the first person to break the sound barrier, on April 9, 1945 in a Messerschmitt Me 262, but this claim is disputed. Many also contend that George Welch broke the barrier on October 1, 1947 in his XP-86 Sabre, just two weeks before the X-1.

Related Topics:
Hans Guido Mutke - Sound barrier - April 9 - 1945 - Messerschmitt - Me 262 - George Welch - October 1 - 1947 - XP-86 Sabre

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