Skystreak & Skyrocket Pilot Manual

The D-558 aircraft were part of a transonic research program originated by NACA and the U.S. Navy. The D-558-1 Skystreak turbojet first flew in 1947 at Muroc. It quickly set a new world speed record of over 650 miles per hour. Although it approached Mach 1.0 in level flight, the Skystreak could only break the speed of sound in a dive.

The successor aircraft, the D-558-2 Skyrocket, was equipped with a turbojet and the same rocket system as Bell's X-1. The jet was used for takeoff and landing, and the rockets pushed the aircraft transonic. In 1953, Scott Crossfield flew into aviation history when he became the first person to reach Mach 2.0 in the plane.

Originally printed by the U.S. Navy, NACA and Douglas, this book contains manuals for both aircraft. Originally "restricted", they have been declassified.

92 pages, 8.5x11", black and white interior and full color covers.