Breaking the Sound Barrier Part 1

Description

This film provides coverage of the first flight of the X-1 aircraft, piloted by Captain Charles E. Yeager, on October 14, 1947. Footage shows the X-1 as it was fueled, test fired, in the pit, loaded onto a B-29, and the B-29 as it took off. Scenes are included of the tracking by theodolite and radar; interior and exterior scenes of the B-29 in flight as it carried the X-1; the X-1 as it was launched, and in flight as it broke the sound barrier (contrails from the four rockets are visible). Scenes also show the X-1 as it glided in and came to a dead-stick landing. The narration gives details on the X-1, its flight, and the length of the runway.

Collection

Records of U.S. Air Force Commands, Activities, and Organizations

Series

Special Projects Films Relating to Military Activities