GP039 BELL X1. E

The Bell X-1 is an experimental American aircraft that was the first to break the sound barrier in a controlled manner in level flight. The first of the X series airplanes designed to test new technologies. The X series airplanes were secret projects. On October 14, 1947, Charles "Chuck" Yeager, a USAF pilot, flew an XS-1 (from Extperimental Supersonic - experimental supersonic) called Glamorous Glennis, crossing the sound barrier. The plane was powered by a rocket engine and was raised to the starting altitude of the test by a B-29 bomber. The landing took place at Muroc Air Force Base (now Edwards) in California. It was the 31st flight of this aircraft and the 13th flight of Chuck Yeager on the X-1. The speed achieved was 1,126 km / h (Mach 1.06) at an altitude of 13,115 meters.