The Bell X-5 did research that led to more modern swing wing aircraft like the F-14 and F-111. Inspired by the WWII Messerschmitt P.1011 design, the German fighter's wing sweep was only adjustable on the ground and the Bell design was adjustable in flight. This last remaining X-5 was the first of two built and is displayed at the National Museum of the United States Air Force. Pictured in an annex hangar, it has since moved to the Museum's new display hangar suspended in the Research & Development section.

This is the first of two X-5 a/c built. It first flew on 20 June 1951 and had last test flight on 25 October 1955. It was then used as a chase aircraft until 1958, when it was transferred to the museum. This slide was taken in the outdoor aircraft display area at the original museum on Patterson AFB. It is now on display in the Research and Development Gallery in the current museum.

The X-5 was the first swing-wing aircraft. It was inspired by the Messerschmitt P.1101 research plane, the unflown prototype of which was delivered to Bell in 1948, but the German jet's wing would only would have been adjustable on the ground. Photo by: Loomis Dean / Life