Y1 D196 – Kerbal Space Center
On Y1 D196, the X-1 took flight for the first time, reaching a maximum speed of Mach 0.94 at 5200 meters. The flight plan was to take the aircraft to an altitude of about 5000 meters, fly level at about Mach 0.9, and pitch, yaw, and roll the aircraft to see if control was different at those speeds. The entire flight took place over the ocean.
After landing, Dwight reported that the aircraft performed as expected except that roll was extra sensitive at high speed.
The first X-1B, NX1C, which has a superior fuel-oxidizer ratio, is expected to roll out within the next several days. However, NX1B will likely be the first aircraft to reach supersonic speeds.
The X-1 series of aircraft are rocketplanes. The vehicle’s airframe is derived heavily from the T-1 “Sparrow” trainer. The rocketplane is designed to break the sound barrier and reach speeds and altitudes not attainable by conventional aircraft.
It's Not Rocket Science 