On October 14, 1947, Air Force Captain Charles E. Yeager flew this experimental Bell X-1 on the first flight faster than the speed of sound.  He reached a speed of 1127 kilometers per hour (700 miles per hour), or Mach 1.06 at an altitude of 13,000 meters (43,000 feet). The Bell X-1 is shown here in the Boeing Milestones of Flight Hall at the Museum in Washington, DC.

Created:

2005

Photographer:

Eric Long

ID#:

2005-24516

Source:

Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum

Owner:

Smithsonian Institution

Rights Usage:

Contact Smithsonian Institution

Terms of Use:

Smithsonian Terms of Use

For print or commercial use please see permissions information.

 Related Content Bell X-1 Glamorous Glennis Object