Bell X-1 vs North American X-15
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 North American X-15 is faster: 7,274 km/h against 1,540 km/h for the Bell X-1. The North American X-15 flies further: 450 km against 400 km for the Bell X-1. The Bell X-1 has the wider wingspan: 8.5 m against 6.8 m for the North American X-15. The North American X-15 is heavier at takeoff: 15 tonnes against 5.56 tonnes for the Bell X-1. The Bell X-1 first flew in 1946, 13 years before the North American X-15 (1959).
| Bell X-1 | North American X-15 |
|---|
| Top speed | 1,540 km/h (957 mph) | 7,274 km/h (4,520 mph) |
|---|
| Range | 400 km (249 miles) | 450 km (280 miles) |
|---|
| Length | 9.4 m (31 ft) | 15.5 m (51 ft) |
|---|
| Wingspan | 8.5 m (28 ft) | 6.8 m (22 ft) |
|---|
| Max takeoff weight | 5.56 t (12,258 lb) | 15 t (33,951 lb) |
|---|
| First flight | 1946 | 1959 |
|---|
| Crew and capacity | 1 pilot | 1 pilot |
|---|
| Engines | 1 × Reaction Motors XLR11 rocket | 1 × XLR99 rocket |
|---|
| Built by | Bell | North American |
|---|
| Country | USA | USA |
|---|
More about each
Other comparisons
