BELL X-1A, B, C, D

X-1A in flight with chase plane over Edwards AFB

First Flights:
X-1A - 2/21/53
X-1B - 10/8/54
X-1C - Not Completed For Flight
X-1D - Destroyed before powered flight was achieved

Mission: Designed to double the flight abilities of the original X-1, these planes were meant to fly at speeds exceeding Mach 2, with maximum altitudes above 90,000 ft. The X-C (not completed) was to be a test platform for USAF weapons. The X-D was to be used for high speed heat testing.
Major Accomplishments: Accomplishments were limited, due to the early destruction of the X-1D and the cancellation of the X-1C. The X-1A made a total of 15 glide and powered flights (14 for USAF and 1 for NACA). The X-1B, the most productive of the planes, made a total of 27 flights (glide and powered). The X-1A was instrumental in research into 'inertia coupling', the inability of aircraft to maintain stability at high speeds.
Power Source: One (1) Reaction Motors XLR-11-RM-5 (E6000-D4 rocket). 6,000 lbs thrust (2,722 kg) Fueled by ethyl alcohol/water mix and liquid oxygen.
Wing Span: 28' 0"
Length: 35' 8"
Weight (Loaded): 16,487 lb
Maximum Achieved Speed: Mach 2.44 (1,650 mph)
Maximum Achieved Altitude: 90,000'

Additional Information: The second generation X-1s where designed to double the speed of sound and set altitude records in excess of 90,000 ft. The only productive models where the X-1A and X-1B. The X-1C, which was designed to test high speed flight armaments, was cancelled before completion. The X-1D was destroyed during what was to be its first powered flight.

Possibly the most famous flight of the second generation X-1 series occurred on December 12, 1954 with Chuck Yeager piloting the X-1A. While flying at mach 2.4 and 75,000 ft., the craft developed a slight left roll. When attempting to correct the roll the plane snapped to the right and control was lost. The plane now began a violent tumble toward the earth. Fortunately, Yeager was able to cut the engines, but he was also rendered unconscious from being tossed about in the cockpit. The plane continued out of control until Yeager mercifully recovered from his unconscious and managed to regain control at approximately 25,000 ft.

The X-1A was later jettisoned and destroyed following an in-flight explosion. The only existing example of the second generation X-1s, the X-1B is on permanent display at the USAF museum.

 


X-1B on display at the USAF Museum