Bell X-2 Starbuster 2

The Bell X-2, also known as the 'Starbuster,' was a rocket-powered, high-altitude research aircraft that pushed the boundaries of speed and altitude in the 1950s. Designed to explore flight characteristics in the Mach 2–3 range, the X-2 was a marvel of engineering, setting records that stood for years. It reached a maximum speed of Mach 3.196 and an altitude of 126,200 feet, achievements that contributed invaluable data to the development of future supersonic and spaceflight vehicles. The X-2's contributions were pivotal in understanding aerodynamic heating, control at high speeds, and the effects of the upper atmosphere on aircraft. Its legacy is marked by its role in advancing the frontier of aviation technology, laying the groundwork for the space race and the development of modern supersonic military and civilian aircraft. The X-2 program was a daring step into the unknown, showcasing the incredible potential of high-speed flight.