First Flight: June 20, 1951
Mission: Determine the aerodynamic effects of variable swept wing in flight
Major Accomplishments: First airplane to adjust wing position in flight
Power Source: One (1) Allison J35-A-17 turbojet
Wing Span (unswept): 30 ft 9.75 in (9.39m)
Wing Span (swept): 18 ft 7 in (5.66 m)
Length: 33 ft 4 in (10.16 m)
Weight (Loaded): 9,892 lb (4,487 kg)
Maximum Achieved Speed: 650 mph (1,046 km/h)
Additional Information: The X-5 was largely based on the design of the German Messerschmitt P.1101 (captured near the end of WWII and brought to the US for technical review and inspection). The P.1101 had variable swept wings (which could only be adjusted on the ground, prior to flight.)
Captured Messerschmitt P.1101
Two X-5's were constructed (USAF serial numbers 50-1838 and 50-1839), both were flown from Edwards AFB. The X-5's variable sweep wing could be adjusted in flight from 20 to 60 degrees.
The first example was flown by the Air Force, and crashed on October 13, 1953, killing the pilot (USAF test pilot Major Raymond Popson). The other X-5 was flown by the NACA. Notable pilots that flew the X-5 include Neil Armstrong, Gen. Albert Boyd, Scott Crossfield, and Joseph Walker. The X-5 was retired from service in 1955, and is now on display at the USAF museum in Dayton, Oh.
X-5 As displayed at the USAF Museum
Image courtesy of the USAF Museum
