X-3 Stiletto

The Douglas X-3 Stiletto was an experimental jet craft with a slender fuselage and a long tapered nose manufactured by Douglas Aircraft Company in the 1950s. Its mission was to investigate the design features of an aircraft suitable for sustained supersonic speeds. However, it was seriously underpowered for its purpose and could not exceed Mach 1 in level flight.

Construction of the X-3 was approved on 30 June 1949. The X-3 was completed and delivered to Edwards Air Force Base in California on 11 September 1952. Due to engine and airframe problems, the partially completed second aircraft was cancelled and the components were used for spare parts.

In 1956, the X-3 was transferred to the National Museum of the United States Air Force. As of 2007, it is on display in the Research & Development Gallery.

Specifications (X-3 Stiletto)
Length: 66 ft 9 in
Wingspan: 22 ft 8 in
Height: 12 ft 6 in
Maximum takeoff weight: 23, 840 lb
Powerplant: 2 x Westinghouse J34 afterburning turbojet, 3,370 lbf
Maximum speed: 700 mph
Range: 497 ml
Service ceiling: 38,000 ft

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