The X-1, built by Bell, was the first of the highly secretive American planes that tested out new technologies. Indeed, the X-1 was the very first aircraft to break the sound barrier in level flight. Development started in 1945, and it was inspired by the shape of a Browning .50-cal machine gun round that was known to be stable in supersonic flight. Essentially, the Bell X-1 was a bullet with wings, propelled by a four-chamber rocket engine. The first supersonic test flight occurred on October 14, 1947 with Captain Chuck Yeager at the controls, and he achieved a speed of Mach 1.06 (1,299km/h). This ground- and sound-breaking aircraft is now on display at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington D.C. The original X-1 was developed into several other variants in order to test other aspects of supersonic flight, and these included the X-1A, X-1B, X-1C, X-1D and X-1E. The final flight of a Bell X-1 took place in 1958, but this important experimental aircraft contributed greatly to American knowledge of supersonic flight. Dragon is offering a fine 1/144 scale model of the Bell X-1 as part of its aircraft collection. In fact, the new set features two complete X-1 aircraft models. The first is a standard replica of this supersonic craft, while the second has a transparent fuselage that shows off the innards of the unique X-1. Both fully built-up and finely painted models are masterfully recreated in miniature. They also come with a sleek display stand made of metal that allows both models to be displayed together. This is an impressive set, and with two models and the stand included, it offers unbeatable value!

Info: X-1 USAF, #46-0062, CA (Edwards AFB), Final Flight, May 12th 1950, 2-Piece Set