In this NACA Muroc Flight Test Unit photograph taken in 1949, the Douglas D-558-I is on the ramp at South Base, Edwards Air Force Base.
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In this NACA Muroc Flight Test Unit photograph taken in 1949, the Douglas D-558-I is on the ramp at South Base, Edwards Air Force Base. Three members of the ground crew are seen poising against the left wing of the Skystreak. The D-558-I was designed to be just large enough to hold the J35 turbojet engine, pilot, and instrumentation. The fuselage cross section had to be kept to a minimum. Due to this, the D-558-I pilots found the cockpit so cramped that they could not easily turn their heads.1949NASA Photo / › D-558-I Fact Sheet