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.

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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.

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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.

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Bell: Bell may refer to:...

Aircraft: An aircraft is any machine capable of atmospheric flight....

Speed of sound: :"Speed of Sound" is a single by Coldplay; see Speed of Sound (single)....

Bell X-1 related Images and Photos (experimental)

Bell Ringers	Cow Bell	Last Bell	Tinker Bell (detail)
Lake Bell	Jamie Bell	Drake Bell	Bell Haven Manor
The Bell Jar	Tinker Bell	Kristen Bell	Bell Faction Helmet