This is a segment of the injector of the Reaction Motors, Inc. (RMI) 6000-C4 rocket engine, also designated the XLR-11. The engine is of the same kind used in the Bell X-1 rocket research aircraft, which was the first plane to achieve the speed of sound on 14 October 1947. The engine used liquid oxygen and alcohol and produced 6,000 pounds of thrust. Developed from 1945, it was used in a variety of rocket research aircraft besides the X-1. These included the X-1A, X-1B, X-1D, and X-1E, as well as the Douglas D-558-2 Skyrocket and the Republic XF-91 fighter.
Two of the chambers served as the "Interim Engine" for the X-15 research aircraft during 1959-1961, while that aircraft's 50,000-pound thrust XLR-99 engine was completing its development. The engine also powered NASA aerodynamic test craft called Lifting Bodies (the HL-10, MS-F3, X-24A, and X-24B). In 1948, uprated chambers of the same engine, each producing 2,000 pounds of thrust, powered the MX-774 test missile, a predecessor of the Atlas missile. The 6000C-4 thus saw an active service life from 1947-1975, when it was last used in the X-24B.
Robert Holder donated this to the Museum in 2001.
Display Status
This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Object Details
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
PROPULSION-Rocket Engines
Manufacturer
Reaction Motors, Inc.
Dimensions
Overall: 11.43 x 3.18 x 2.54cm (4 1/2in. x 1 1/4in. x 1in.)
Materials
Stainless steel
Steel
Brass
Inventory Number
A20020084000
Credit Line
Gift of Bob Holder.
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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