First to Mach 2: A Look at the Douglas D-558 Skyrocket

INTELLIGENCE SUMMARY

Using both turbojet and rocket propulsion, the Douglas D-558 Skystreak and Skyrocket research aircraft set a series of speed and altitude milestones in the years after World War II, culminating in the first flight beyond Mach 2. During a period of abundant experimental record-breaking designs, men and machines were pushed to the edge of the […]