Bell X-1 Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids X-1

X-1 #46-062, nicknamed Glamorous Glennis.
Role	Experimental rocket plane
National origin	United States
Manufacturer	Bell Aircraft
First flight	19 January 1946
Status	Retired
Primary users	United States Air Force National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics
Number built	4

The Bell X-1 was a very important US rocket plane. It was the first aircraft in the world to fly faster than the speed of sound in level flight. This amazing event happened on October 14, 1947. The pilot who made history was Chuck Yeager.

What Was the Bell X-1?
Different Versions of the X-1
Images for kids
See also

What Was the Bell X-1?

The Bell X-1 was an experimental aircraft. This means it was built to test new ideas and technologies. It was designed to explore high-speed flight. The plane was shaped like a bullet, which helped it fly through the air smoothly.

Who Built the X-1?

The Bell Aircraft company built the X-1. They worked with the United States Air Force and the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA). NACA later became NASA, the space agency.

How Did the X-1 Fly So Fast?

The X-1 was a rocket plane. It used a powerful rocket engine called the XLR-11. This engine burned a special fuel to create a lot of thrust. This thrust pushed the plane to incredible speeds.

Reaching Supersonic Speed

On October 14, 1947, Chuck Yeager flew the X-1. He was flying over the Mojave Desert in California. The X-1 was dropped from a larger plane, a B-29 bomber. Once released, Yeager fired the rocket engine. He then flew the X-1 faster than the speed of sound. This speed is also known as Mach 1. This was a huge step forward in aviation.

Why Was the X-1 Important?

The X-1 showed that planes could fly faster than sound. Before this, many people thought it was impossible. They worried planes would break apart. The X-1 proved them wrong. This opened the door for faster jet aircraft and space travel.

The X-1's Legacy

The success of the X-1 led to many more X-planes. These were other experimental aircraft. They helped scientists learn even more about flight. The X-1 itself is now a famous museum exhibit.

Different Versions of the X-1

There were four main versions of the X-1 built. Each version helped engineers learn more about high-speed flight.

X-1 #46-062: This was the plane that broke the sound barrier. Chuck Yeager nicknamed it Glamorous Glennis. It is now on display at the National Air and Space Museum.
X-1A: This version was designed to fly even faster and higher. It set new speed and altitude records.
X-1B: This model was used for research on aerodynamic heating. This is how hot a plane gets when flying very fast.
X-1E: This was a rebuilt X-1. It had a thinner wing and a new fuel system. It helped test new flight controls.

Images for kids

The XLR-11 rocket engine that powered the X-1.
Chuck Yeager standing in front of the X-1 Glamorous Glennis.
A 1997 US stamp celebrating the Bell X-1's first supersonic flight.
The X-1A flying high in the sky.
A closer look at the X-1A.
The X-1B on display at the National Museum of the United States Air Force.
The Bell X-1-3 being attached to its B-50 mothership.
Pilot Joe Walker with the X-1E, nicknamed Little Joe.
The original X-1 Glamorous Glennis at the National Air and Space Museum. It is painted bright orange.
A diagram showing the shape of the Bell X-1.