subject: Flying Faster Than The Speed Of Sound: Showcase Models Offers X-2 Starbuster [print this page] In 1945 the United States Air Force, National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA), and Bell Aircraft Corporation developed an aircraft that can research and test flight characteristics at supersonic speed. The resulting aircraft was the X-2 Starbuster, a research aircraft designed to investigate flight characteristics in Mach 2-3 range.
The X-2 Starbuster was designed to exceed the capabilities of earlier research aircraft Bell X-1 and D-558 II. The X-1 is the first experimental aircraft for supersonic research from Bell and D-558 II is a jet-powered rocket research aircraft built by the Douglas Aircraft Company. Apart from supersonic research, the X-2 Starbuster is also used to study aerodynamic heating problems in thermal thicket or thermal barrier where severe heating effects happen due to aerodynamic friction. The X-2 Starbuster is made of stainless steel and a copper-nickel alloy called K-Monel. It is powered by a throttleable rocket engine to make it capable of exploring the thermal thicket region.
The first non-powered glide flight of the X-2 was made on June 27, 1952 by test pilot Jean Skip Ziegler. A modified B-50 Bomber carried the X-2 and launched it on altitude 30,000 feet. The first powered glide flight was made by Lt. Col. Frank K. Pete Everest. Everest established a new speed record of Mach 2.87 on his last flight with the Starbuster.
Two pilots were called on to push the envelope much further. Captain Iven C. Kincheloe became the first pilot to ever reach above 100,000 ft when he flew the X-2 to its highest peak of 126,200 ft., earning the title First of Spaceman. Captain Milburn G. Apt, on the other hand, became the first man to fly faster than three times the speed of sound. He traveled beyond the speed of Mach 3 at Mach 3.2.
The X-2 Starbuster delivered valuable data in riddle-laden field of high-speed aerodynamic heat build-up and extreme high-altitude flight conditions. It had surpassed the achievements of the research aircraft that came before it and paved the way for more advanced experimental aircraft. It is a fascinating military aircraft used for research by the U.S. Air Force and NACA. The two units of X-2 Starbuster was destroyed during their flight, but you can still get a replica model airplane of the X-2 from Showcase Models. Showcase Models offers big model airplanes of military aircraft models and other popular aircraft at the best prices.
