Bell X-1 cover
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Description

In 1947, no one knew if it was possible to break the "sound barrier." The Bell X-1 was the tiny, rocket-powered craft that finally broke it. It was the result of innovative designers and engineers turning their attention from the pioneering jets of World War II to a new task--an aircraft designed purely to fly faster than sound. Legendary pilots rallied to the cause, with World War II ace Chuck Yeager piloting the X-1 when it finally achieved supersonic flight in 1947, the first manned craft to reach such speeds. With historical photographs and meticulously researched digital art, Peter Davies traces the whole career of the Bell X-1, from its early development through to the influence it had on military and civilian jets in the second half of the 20th century.

Table of Contents

Introduction /Origins /Prototype Design /Flight Test and Development /Influence on Frontline Types /Conclusion /Bibliography /Index

Product details

Published Sep 20 2016
Format Paperback
Edition 1st
Extent 80
ISBN 9781472814647
Imprint Osprey Publishing
Illustrations 20 b/w; 35 col
Dimensions 248 x 184 mm
Series X-Planes
Short code XPL 1
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing

About the contributors

Author

Peter E. Davies

Peter E. Davies has specialized in the aircraft of…

Illustrator

Jim Laurier

Jim Laurier is a native of New England and lives i…

Illustrator

Gareth Hector

Gareth Hector is a digital artist of international…

Resources

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