Bell X-2

by Peter E. Davies, Adam Tooby (Illustrator)

Overview

Even before the spectacular success of its X-1 rocket-powered aircraft in breaking the 'sound barrier', the adventurous Bell Aircraft Corporation was already pushing ahead with a parallel project to build a second aircraft capable of far higher speeds. The X-2 (or Model 52) explored the equally uncertain technology of swept-back wings. Now common in modern conventional fighter aircraft, the Bell X-2 was revolutionary in using this type of airframe to probe Mach 3 and research the effects of extreme aerodynamic friction heat on airframes.

Although both X-2s were destroyed in crashes after only 20 flights, killing two test pilots, the knowledge gained from the programme was invaluable in developing aircraft that could safely fly at such speeds. Using stunning artwork and historical photographs, this is the story of the plane that ultimately made the Lockheed Blackbird and Concorde possible.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781472819604
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Publishing
Publication date:	11/30/2017
Series:	X-Planes , #6
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	80
File size:	51 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

Peter E. Davies has written or co-written nineteen books on modern American combat aircraft, including the standard reference work on US Navy and Marine Corps Phantom II operations, Gray Ghosts. He is based in Bristol, UK.
Peter E. Davies has specialized in the aircraft of the Vietnam and Cold War periods, analyzing tactics, background politics and technologies in combat situations. His books are always enriched by original first-hand interviews and unpublished illustrative material. Peter has also been a contributor to publications such as Aeroplane Monthly, Aviation News and Aircraft Illustrated. He lives in Bristol, UK.
Adam Tooby is an internationally renowned digital artist and illustrator. His work can be found in publications worldwide and as box art for model aircraft kits. He also runs a successful illustration studio and aviation prints business. He is based in Cheshire, UK. To buy artwork, or contact the artist, visit http://www.adamtooby.com/.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Introduction 4

Chapter 2 Sweeping Change 7

Chapter 3 Power and Pilot Protection 21

Chapter 4 Aloft At Last 36

Chapter 5 Triumph Before Tragedy 46

CHapter 6 Things That are Dangerous 62

Chapter 7 Afterthoughts 76

Further Reading 79

Index 80

Editorial Reviews

"...should be popular with modelers and enthusiasts of America's post-war aerospace research. The book contains a great deal of technical and other data and information about this important X-plane. The text is supported by an amazing gallery of photographs and color artwork." - KitMaker Network

From the Publisher