Bell X-2 In Flight - "Pete" Everest Jr.

Dimensions: 18" x 16.5"
Signature: Brig. Gen. Frank K. "Pete" Everest Jr.

Plane Type: Bell X-2


The Bell X-2 was a rocket-powered, swept-wing research aircraft designed to investigate the structural effects of aerodynamic heating as well as stability and control effectiveness at high speeds and altitudes. The program was developed jointly in 1945 by Bell Aircraft Corporation, the U.S. Air Force and the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) to explore aerodynamic problems of supersonic flight and to expand the speed and altitude regimes obtained with the earlier X-1 series of research aircraft. The X-2 (46-674) was dropped from a Boeing B-50 mothership with Lt. Col. Frank "Pete" Everest piloting 674 on its first unpowered flight on 5 August 1954. Everest flew many missions in this test program and flew the final X-2 flight, on July 23, 1956, which earned him the title "Fastest Man Alive." While gathering data on aerodynamic heating, Everest achieved a speed of Mach 2.87 at 68,000 feet.

About our Framing:
This Aviation Collectible is exquisitely Custom Framed with double mattes and comes in either a ¾” or 1 ½” Matte Black Frame. We’ve opened up the matte on the bottom to showcase the authentic pencil signature of the pilot/s who flew this aircraft. All of our Aviation Collectibles come with a Certificate of Authenticity to ensure that the signatures are real and your purchase will be collectible for years to come.

Signature:
Brig. Gen. Frank K. "Pete" Everest Jr. - In February 1946 Pete Everest was assigned to the Flight Test Division at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio as a test pilot. He took part in many experimental tests of the Bell X-1 and established an unofficial world altitude record of 73,000 feet. In September 1951 he was transferred to the Air Force Flight Test Center at Edwards Air Force Base, CA, and became the chief Air Force test pilot as head of the Flight Test Operations Division. During his stay at Edwards, General Everest tested the X-1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.

PLANE JUNKIE - Bell X-2 in Flight (Bell X-2)