Bell X-1 vs Cessna 172 Skyhawk
Top speed, range, size and history side by side. Each was built for its own job, so this shows how they differ, not which is better.
The Bell X-1 is faster: 1,540 km/h against 302 km/h for the Cessna 172 Skyhawk. The Cessna 172 Skyhawk flies further: 1,289 km against 400 km for the Bell X-1. The Cessna 172 Skyhawk has the wider wingspan: 11 m against 8.5 m for the Bell X-1. The Bell X-1 is heavier at takeoff: 5.56 tonnes against 1.16 tonnes for the Cessna 172 Skyhawk. The Bell X-1 first flew in 1946, 9 years before the Cessna 172 Skyhawk (1955).
| Bell X-1 | Cessna 172 Skyhawk |
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| Top speed | 1,540 km/h (957 mph) | 302 km/h (188 mph) |
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| Range | 400 km (249 miles) | 1,289 km (801 miles) |
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| Length | 9.4 m (31 ft) | 8.3 m (27 ft) |
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| Wingspan | 8.5 m (28 ft) | 11 m (36 ft) |
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| Max takeoff weight | 5.56 t (12,258 lb) | 1.16 t (2,557 lb) |
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| First flight | 1946 | 1955 |
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| Crew and capacity | 1 pilot | 1 pilot, 3 passengers |
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| Engines | 1 × Reaction Motors XLR11 rocket | 1 × piston |
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| Built by | Bell | Cessna |
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| Country | USA | USA |
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