Bell X-1 Glamorous Glennis
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On October 14, 1947, the Bell X-1 became the first airplane to fly faster than the speed of sound. Piloted by U.S. Air Force Capt. Charles E. "Chuck" Yeager, the X-1 reached a speed of 1,127 kilometers (700 miles) per hour, Mach 1.06, at an altitude of 13,000 meters (43,000 feet). Yeager named the airplane "Glamorous Glennis" in tribute to his wife.
Air-launched at an altitude of 7,000 meters (23,000 feet) from the bomb bay of a Boeing B-29, the X-1 used its rocket engine to climb to its test altitude. It flew a total of 78 times, and on March 26, 1948, with Yeager at the controls, it attained a speed of 1,540 kilometers (957 miles) per hour, Mach 1.45, at an altitude of 21,900 meters (71,900 feet). This was the highest velocity and altitude reached by a manned airplane up to that time.
Display Status
This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
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Object Details
Key Accomplishment(s)
Broke the Sound Barrier
Brief Description
On October 14, 1947, the Bell X-1 became the first airplane to fly faster than the speed of sound. It was piloted by U.S. Air Force Capt. Charles E. "Chuck" Yeager who named the aircraft Glamorous Glennis in tribute to his wife.
Date
1946
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
CRAFT-Aircraft
Manufacturer
Bell Aircraft Corp.
Physical Description
Single engine, single seat, mid-wing rocket plane with international orange paint scheme.
Dimensions
Other: 10 ft. 8 1/2 in. × 30 ft. 9 in. × 28 ft., 2780.5kg (326.4 × 937.3 × 853.4cm, 6130lb.)
Materials
Aluminum, radium paint
Alternate Name
Bell X-1 Glamorous Glennis
Inventory Number
A19510007000
Credit Line
Transferred from the Department of the Air Force
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Open Access (CCO)
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