The Bell X-1A (serial no. 48-1384) arrived at Edwards Air Force Base. Following completion of contractor testing and some modifications to the airplane, it was turned over to the Air Force for speed and altitude flights.
The Bell X-1A (serial no. 48-1384) arrived at Edwards Air Force Base. Following completion of contractor testing and some modifications to the airplane, it was turned over to the Air Force for speed and altitude flights. Maj. Charles E. “Chuck” Yeager eventually flew the X-1A to a speed of Mach 2.44 (1,612 mph), and Maj. Arthur “Kit” Murray achieved an altitude of 90,440 feet. It was later turned over to the NACA High Speed Flight Station where Joseph A. Walker completed a single successful research flight. The aircraft was damaged beyond repair prior to its second NACA flight.NASA Photo
E-2490