The D-558-2 was powered by 1 x Westinghouse J34-WE-40 series turbojet engine developing 3,000lbs of thrust and supported by 4 x Reaction Motors (RMI) LR8-RM-6 rockets of 1,500lbs thrust from each unit. Take-off and climb would utilize the Westinghouse to which power would then be switched to the rockets for sustained high-speed level flight during testing. A Skyrocket test vehicle reached Mach 2 on November 20th, 1953 though in a dive - becoming the first aircraft in aviation history to achieve twice the speed of sound.
The D-558-2 program eventually produced three total vehicles for experimentation: The first airframe (D-558-2 #1) flew for 123 test flights during its tenure and this was followed by the second airframe (#2) with its 103 recorded flights. Airframe #3 managed a meaningful 87 total flights. The first airframe was given to the Planes of Fame Museum in Chino, California as a display piece while airframe #2 is currently on display (suspended on the second floor) at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. Airframe #3 is perched atop a display pylon at Antelope Valley College of Lancaster, California.
The Skyrocket family of research aircraft served the United States well until December of 1956, providing valuable data during their years of active data-collecting service - particularly covering yaw and pitch actions in flight. Over its tests, the vehicle recorded a maximum speed of 720 miles per hour with a service ceiling of 16,500 feet. Its rate-of-climb was an impressive 22,400 feet per minute. The jet engine allowed for relatively short take-off runs and pilot control from Mach 1 to Mach 2 was deemed manageable despite some stiffness. The Skyrocket was also air-launched from under the wing of a B-29 research platform at an altitude of 35,000 feet and from this lofty start it could reach speeds of 1,250 miles per hour.
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