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). Highlighted in this image is the cockpit of the Bell X-1.
Created:
November 02, 2015
Photographer:
Eric Long
ID#:
A19510007000_NASM2015-07218
Source:
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, NASM Original Photography, NASM Acc. 2012-0026.