1947. the first photo of the Douglas D-558-2 "Skyrocket" is made public

 

Recent photo of completed Douglas D-558-2 Skyrocket reveals sleek lines and glaring white paint job. Tiny speedster will attack the sonic barrier with more power. better design and more advanced features than previous research aircraft. Cabin is refrigerated to accommodate high friction temperatures encountered near sonic speed. Rocket engines fire for two minutes, entire test flight has 30 min. maximum duration. Note open dive brake panel on aft fuselage. (Navy photo) 

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Aviation Week | December 8, 1947