Chuck Yeager Signed Douglas X-3 Stiletto Model Airplane

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Chuck Yeager Signed Douglas X-3 Stiletto Model Airplane

About the Item

Presented is a Douglas X-3 model airplane, signed by Chuck Yeager in black felt-tip on the right-wing. While working for the Air Force as a test pilot, Yeager flew several test flights in the Douglas X-3 plane before it was transferred to the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics. The plane made significant contributions to knowledge about "inertial coupling" in supersonic speeds. The X-3 was designed to explore high-speed aerodynamic phenomenon to speeds of Mach 2. Additionally, it was built to prove the feasibility of using low-aspect-ratio, high-load wings, and a titanium construction in aircraft. It took to the air for the first time on October 15, 1952 in the hands of Douglas Company test pilot, Bill Bridgman. After twenty flights by the contractor, the Stiletto was turned over to the Air Force where their top test pilot Chuck Yeager made a number of test flights. After completing their test and evaluation of the X-3 it was transferred to the NACA High-Speed Flight Station in August of 1954. The National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics and its test pilot, Joseph Walker, conducted a series of tests in this aircraft. On the forty-third flight, Joe experienced an inertia-coupling phenomenon. This phenomenon had plagued a number of both research and operational aircraft while operating in (and close to) supersonic speeds. Prior to this test, little was understood. As a result of this flight, NACA was able to isolate and better study the problem and make recommendations for future aircraft design, as well as retrofitted modifications to planes, like the F-100 Super Sabre, suffering with this problem. The X-3 went on to make fifty-one flights before the end of the program.

Dimensions:
Height: 8.5 in (21.59 cm)Width: 4 in (10.16 cm)Depth: 25 in (63.5 cm)
Materials and Techniques:
Plastic
Place of Origin:
United States
Period:
20th Century
Date of Manufacture:
20th Century
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. Very good condition. The model plane is a 1/32 scale model. Signed "Chuck Yeager" in black felt-tip on the right-wing. Signature is legible and bold, without smear or fading. The plane model rests on a black stand with a plaque.
Seller Location:
Colorado Springs, CO
Reference Number:
Seller: OT5451stDibs: LU909727272002