X-2 Crash Site

November 22nd 2017





Summery :

 The rocket-powered Bell X-2 was designed to be the first airplane capable of surpassing Mach 3 and to achieve altitudes above 100,000 feet.
This X-2 (#46-674) was the first airplane of only 2 ever built. It made 7 glide flights and 10 powered flights.
On September 27, 1956, Capt. Milburn G. Apt flew a perfect flight profile and successfully achieved a speed of Mach 3.2 (2,094 mph). As he turned back toward Edwards, the plane went out of control.
Apt ejected in the planefs encapsulated cockpit, which was designed to protect the pilot from wind blast before slowing enough to allow safe bailout. Briefly knocked unconscious, he was unable to get out of the capsule before it crashed down.


    
Description



Manufacturer:
Bell Aircraft
Base model:
X-2
Designation System:
U.S. Air Force
Designation Period:
1952-1956 (USAF)
Basic role:
Research aircraft
Version:
E
Serial Number:
46-674
Year built:
1946
Crash Date:
9/27/56
Cause of Crash:
Out of control
Fatalities:
1




Specifications



Length:
37' 10" 11.50 m
Height:
11' 10" 3.60 m
Wingspan:
32' 3" 9.80 m
Wingarea:
260.0 sq ft 24.20 sq m
Empty Weight:
12,375 lb 5,600 kg
Max Takeoff Weight:
24,910 lb 11,300 kg





Propulsion



No. of Engines:
1
Powerplant:
Curtiss-Wright XLR25 rocket engine
Thrust:
15,000 lbf





Performance



Max Speed:
2,094 mph 3,370 km/h Mach 3.196
Ceiling:
126,200 ft 38,466 m





Number built:
2


    
Other X-2 Link :
 Wikipedia Link : Bell X-2
    



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