Bell X-2 supersonic research aircraft, Swept-Wing, Photo

Code Number:: TARV02P07_04
Title:: Bell X-2 supersonic research aircraft, milestone of flight; This supersonic aircraft was designed to investigate the structural effects of supersonic aerodynamic heating as well as stability and control effectiveness at high speeds and altitudes. It was a rocket-powered, swept-wing research aircraft.

First flight: 18/11/1955 (first powered flight)
Retired: 27/11/1956
Primary users: United States Air Force
National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA)
Number built: 2

Crew: one pilot
Length: 11.5 meters (37 feet 10 inches)
Wingspan: 9.8 meters (32 feet 3 inches)
Height: 3.6 meters (11 feet 10 inches)
Wing area: 24.2 m (260 feet )
Airfoil: 2S-50 bicon
Empty weight: 5,600 kg (12,375 lb)
Loaded weight: 11,300 kg (24,910 lb)
Ma takeoff weight: 11,300 kg (24,910 lb)
Powerplant: 1 Curtiss-Wright XLR25 rocket engine, 67 kN (15,000 lbf) at sea level

maximum speed: Mach 3.196 (3,370 km/h, 2,094 mph) - supersonic
Service ceiling: 38,466 meters (126,200 feet)
Keywords:: Bell X-2 Starbuster, Rocket Powered, Swept-Wing, Experimental, historical, Research Aircraft, Flying Machine, Pioneers of Aviation, history, Archive
Image by:: Wernher Krutein
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