Home > Science > Space Exploration > Space Rockets
D-558-2 Dropped from B-29 Mothership
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Space Images
D-558-2 Dropped from B-29 Mothership
The D-558-2 #2 is launched from the P2B-1 in this 1956 NACA High-Speed Flight Station photograph. The D-558 Phase Two aircraft was quite different from its Phase One predecessor, the Skystreak. German wartime aeronautical research records, reviewed in 1945 by Douglas Aircraft Company personnel, pointed to many advantages gained from incorporating sweptback wing design into future research aircraft. These findings along with wind tunnel studies performed by the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) at Langley Memorial Aeronautical Laboratory, resulted in the modification of the straight wing D-558-1 Skystreak contract to include investigation of sweptback wings. Three redesigned aircraft were built by Douglas Aircraft Company under a contract from the Navy Bureau of Aeronautics and named D-558-2 Skyrocket. Originally all three were designed for ground take-off and used mixed power propulsion systems, consisting of a turbojet engine for take-off and a rocket engine, for greater speed in flight. The early flight tests were made using only the turbojet engine with the rocket engines added, when available. As the flight program evolved, only one D-558-2 ended-up powered by a mixed rocket and turbo-jet propulsion system. From the experience gained during the X-1 rocket program and from Skyrocket mixed propulsion flights, the Navy and the NACA proceeded to have all three of the D-558-2 aircraft modified for air launching from a Navy-operated P2B-1 Superfortress (Navy version of the Air Force B-29), later becoming NACA 137. Although not designated an " X vehicle, " the D-558-2 was essentially an X-vehicle aircraft in design and function, and contributed much to aeronautics research
Space Image feature a selection of NASA's incredible imagery
Media ID 634529
© NASA
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Science
> Space Exploration
> Space Rockets
> Space Images
> Departments
> Dryden Flight Research Center
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the historic moment when the D-558-2 Skyrocket is dropped from its B-29 mothership, marking a significant milestone in aeronautical research. The D-558 Phase Two aircraft, seen here in 1956 at the NACA High-Speed Flight Station, showcased several advancements over its predecessor, the Skystreak. Inspired by German wartime aeronautical research records and wind tunnel studies conducted by NACA, Douglas Aircraft Company modified the straight-wing design of the D-558-1 to incorporate sweptback wings. Under a contract from the Navy Bureau of Aeronautics, three redesigned aircraft were built and named D-558-2 Skyrocket. Originally designed for ground take-off with mixed power propulsion systems, these aircraft utilized both turbojet engines for take-off and rocket engines for enhanced speed during flight. However, as flight tests progressed, only one D-558-2 was ultimately powered by this mixed propulsion system. Drawing upon lessons learned from previous X-plane programs such as the X-1 rocket program and early Skyrocket flights with mixed propulsion systems, all three D-558-2 aircraft were later modified for air launching from a Navy-operated P2B Superfortress. This modification transformed them into NACA 137 vehicles. Although not officially designated as an "X vehicle" it is important to note that the D-558 phase two was essentially an X-plane in terms of its design and function. Its contribution to aeronautics research cannot be understated. This remarkable photograph serves as a testament to humanity's relentless pursuit of knowledge and advancement in aviation technology.
MADE IN THE USA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
