Bell X-1
Specs, top speed, range and facts
The Bell X-1 is a rocket-powered research aircraft built by Bell in the USA. It first flew in 1946, but it never entered regular service. Find out what happens at the speed of sound, which some people thought could not be passed.
- Top speed1,540 km/h (957 mph)
- Range400 km (249 miles)
- First flight1946
- Wingspan8.5 m (28 ft)
Bell X-1 specs
| Top speed | 1,540 km/h (957 mph) · Mach 1.45Mach 1.45, reached by Chuck Yeager in 1948. |
|---|
| Range | 400 km (249 miles) |
|---|
| Length | 9.4 m (31 ft) |
|---|
| Wingspan | 8.5 m (28 ft) |
|---|
| Height | 3.3 m (11 ft) |
|---|
| Max takeoff weight | 5.56 t (12,258 lb) |
|---|
| Crew and capacity | 1 pilot |
|---|
| Engines | 1 × Reaction Motors XLR11 rocket |
|---|
| First flight | 1946 |
|---|
| Entered service | Never entered regular service |
|---|
| Built by | Bell (USA) |
|---|
Bell X-1 facts
- On 14 October 1947 Chuck Yeager flew it faster than the speed of sound, the first time anyone had.
- Its body was shaped like a bullet, because bullets were already known to fly faster than sound.
Quick quiz
When did the Bell X-1 first fly?
In 1946.
Who built the Bell X-1?
Bell, in the USA.
How fast can the Bell X-1 fly?
Its top speed is 1,540 km/h (957 mph) · Mach 1.45.
How far can the Bell X-1 fly?
About 400 km (249 miles).
Photos, a true-scale silhouette, quizzes, flashcards, the Size Lab and the Sky Run game.
Bell X-1 vs similar aircraft
More record-breaking aircraft
All record-breaking aircraft · All aircraft