High Gallery
U. S. Military Aircraft
Bell Aircraft
X-5
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| The Bell X-5 was the first aircraft capable of changing the sweep of its wings in flight. It was inspired by the untested wartime P.1101 design of the German Messerschmitt company. In contrast with the German design which could only be adjusted on the ground, the Bell engineers devised a system of electric motors to adjust the sweep in flight. |
TECHNICAL DATA
| Description | Specifications |
| Manufacturer: Bell | Length: 33 ft 4 in |
| First Flight: 20 June 1951 | Height: 12 ft |
| Enter Service: | Wing Span: Unswept: 33 ft 6 in 60° sweep: 20 ft 10 in |
| Model: | Wing Area: 175 sq. ft. |
| Crew: 1 | Empty Weight: 6,336 lb |
| Nickname: | Max. Weight: 9,980 lb |
| Basic Role: Research aircraft | Armament: |
| Other Versions: |
Propulsion |
| Principal User: U. S. Air Force United States Air ForceNational Advisory Committee for Aeronautics |
Power Plant: Allison J35-A-17 turbojet |
|
Performance |
Horsepower: 4,900 lbf |
| Range: 750 mi | No. Of Engines: 1 |
| Max. Speed: 716 mph |
Drawing |
| Ceiling: 49,900 ft |
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| Climb Rate: | Photo Unknown |