Bell X1

View aircraft types from Bell

X1: The first aircraft in the world to break the sound barrier was the Bell X1. On the 14 October 1947 it reached 670mph at 42000feet (Mach 1.015). The X1 was launched by a Boeing B29 at 30000 feet, once released the rocket motor on the X1 was fired and it would begin it's ascent.

Weight empty kg: 3174

Weight max takeoff kg: 5557

Winspan m: 8.54

Length m: 9.41

Height m: 3.31

Max speed mph: 957

Maximum Altitude ft: 71902

First flown: 25 January 1946

Engine: 6000lb thrust Reaction Motors XLR11-RM3 rocket engine

Click on thumbnail to view image.