Bell X-2 (Starbuster)
United States (1955)
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Like other American 1950s research aircraft, the Bell X-2 proved critical in furthering the frontiers of powered, manned high-speed flight.
Detailing the development and operational history of the Bell X-2 (Starbuster) Experimental Research Aircraft. Entry last updated on 10/24/2017. Authored by Staff Writer. Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com
To power the new aircraft the two-chamber, variable thrust Curtiss-Wright XLR-25 rocket engine of up to 15,000 lb output was installed and mated to throttle controls (controls which the X-1 lacked). Aerodynamic refinements were present about the sleeker, slimmer fuselage and a low-mounted, swept-wing mainplane assembly was used (unlike the straight wings of the X-1). The tail remained a single vertical fin with mid-mounted horizontal planes though all leading edges were also swept.
As with the X-1, the X-2 was an air-launched vehicle though this time a specially-modified Boeing B-50 Superfortress substituted for the original B-29 mothership. Also as in the X-1, the X-2 completed its first test flights solely under glide power with the first undertaken on June 27th, 1952 - landings aided by an integrated wheeled undercarriage arrangement. The first rocket-powered flight did not come until November 18th, 1955.
The X-2 became a record setter in its own right when it achieved a new speed record of Mach 2.87. It also became the first powered, manned aircraft to break the 100,000 foot altitude ceiling when it reached 126,200 feet on September 7th, 1956 (test pilot Iven Kincheloe at the controls). With some modifications added for Mach 3+ flight controlling, the X-2 then became the first aircraft to exceed Mach 3.0 on September 27th, 1956 (test pilot Milburn Apt). However, during this same flight, the aircraft experienced "inertia coupling" which spun the rocket plane out of control, killing Apt during his attempted ejection on May 12th, 1953.
Apt's death delayed further work involving the X-2 and the product was formally written off altogether in anticipation of the arrival of the more advanced North American X-15 rocket research aircraft arriving in the late part of the decade. Three of its kind would be built and the program would provide additional high speed data until its retirement in December of 1968.
As it stood, only the first X-2 prototype achieved any powered flights - 10 total - with seven glide flights to its name from the period of June 1952 to September 1956. The second prototype never completed its only powered flight and added three glide flights to its record before the end.
Apt's death delayed further work involving the X-2 and the product was formally written off altogether in anticipation of the arrival of the more advanced North American X-15 rocket research aircraft arriving in the late part of the decade. Three of its kind would be built and the program would provide additional high speed data until its retirement in December of 1968.
As it stood, only the first X-2 prototype achieved any powered flights - 10 total - with seven glide flights to its name from the period of June 1952 to September 1956. The second prototype never completed its only powered flight and added three glide flights to its record before the end.
Our Data Modules allow for quick visual reference when comparing a single entry against contemporary designs. Areas covered include general ratings, speed assessments, and relative ranges based on distances between major cities.
Relative Maximum Speed Rating
Hi: 5000mph
Lo: 2500mph
This entry's maximum listed speed (2,094mph).
Graph average of 3750 miles-per-hour.
Aviation Era
Useful in showcasing the era cross-over of particular aircraft/aerospace designs.
Unit Production Comparison
Comm. Market HI*: 44,000 units
Military Market HI**: 36,183 units
2
2
* Commercial Market High belongs to Cessna 172.
** Military Market High belongs to Ilyushin Il-2.
Altitude Visualization
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Supported Mission Types:
Air-to-Air
Interception
Unmanned
Ground Attack
Close-Air Support
Training
Anti-Submarine
Anti-Ship
Airborne Early Warning
MEDEVAC
Electronic Warfare
Maritime/Navy
Aerial Tanker
Utility/Transport
Passenger Industry
VIP Travel
Business Travel
Search/Rescue
Recon/Scouting
Special Forces
X-Plane/Development
Origin: United States
Year: 1955
Type: Experimental Research Aircraft
Manufacturer(s): Bell Aircraft - USA
Production: 2
Status: Retired, Out-of-Service
Global Operators:
United States
United States
Historical Commitments / Honors:
* Ribbons not necessarily indicative of actual historical campaign ribbons. Ribbons are clickable to their respective campaigns/operations.
Unless otherwise noted the presented statistics below pertain to the Bell X-2 (Starbuster) model. Common measurements, and their respective conversions, are shown when possible.
Operational
CREW
Personnel
1
Dimension
LENGTH
Feet
37.73 ft
Meters
11.5 m
Dimension
WIDTH
Feet
32.15 ft
Meters
9.8 m
Dimension
HEIGHT
Feet
11.81 ft
Meters
3.6 m
Weight
EMPTY
Pounds
12,346 lb
Kilograms
5,600 kg
Weight
LOADED
Pounds
24,912 lb
Kilograms
11,300 kg
1 x Curtiss-Wright XLR25 rocket engine developing 15,000 lb of thrust.
Performance
SPEED
Miles-per-Hour
2,094 mph
Kilometers-per-Hour
3,370 kph
Knots
1,820 kts
Performance
CEILING
Feet
126,198 ft
Meters
38,465 m
Miles
23.90 mi
Armament - Hardpoints (0):
None. Internal provision housing flight data and test equipment.
None. Internal provision housing flight data and test equipment.
Variants:
Series Model Variants
• X-2 - Base Series Designation; two examples completed with the second aircraft lost to an in-flight accident.
• X-2 - Base Series Designation; two examples completed with the second aircraft lost to an in-flight accident.