A further development of the original Bell X-1, the X-1B was instrumented to study thermal heating during supersonic flight. Cracks in the fuel tanks finally grounded the rocket plane with the last flight on Jan. 23, 1958. Displayed at the US Air Force Museum.

Nestled under the XB-70 is the X-1B, which was instrumented to study thermal heating during supersonic flight. In 1957 Neil Armstrong, then a NACA test pilot, tested the installation of a system of small reaction rockets used for directional control. Cracks in the fuel tanks finally grounded the rocket plane with the last of 27 flights being made in January 1958

Bell X-1B This rocket powered aircraft was used for aerodynamic heat research and later to train X-2 pilots, and is currently displayed at the National Museum of the United States Air Force. Seen at the National Air Show in Dayton, Ohio in 1953.

A further development of the original Bell X-1, the X-1B was instrumented to study thermal heating during supersonic flight. Cracks in the fuel tanks finally grounded the rocket plane with the last flight on Jan. 23, 1958. Displayed at the US Air Force Museum.