Bell X-16
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The Bell X-16 was an aircraft designed as a high altitude reconnaissance jet aircraft in the United States in the 1950s. A mockup of the X-16 was built, but the project was cancelled in favor of the Martin RB-57 before any X-16 aircraft were completed. The designation of X-16 was a cover to try to hide the true nature of the craft from the Soviets during the Cold War.
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[edit] Development
During the second half of 1953, Fairchild, Bell, and Martin Aircraft conducted high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft design studies for the U.S. Air Force. All three designs used Pratt & Whitney J57-P19 engines. The Bell (X-16) and Martin (B-57D) designs were chosen for further development. The Bell design was designated the X-16. The X-16 project was cancelled by the Air Force in favor of Martin RB-57 in 1956. A full-scale X-16 mockup was completed and one aircraft was partially completed. It was designed as a high-altitude long-range reconnaissance aircraft. A total of 28 aircraft were ordered, but none were completed. The first X-16 was about 80-percent complete when the program was cancelled in 1956.
The X-16 design was breaking new ground with its design. Its wing was long (114.83 feet) with a high aspect ratio (11.9). It was significantly lighter and more flexible than usual jet-aircraft wings. The entire aircraft was made as light as possible to fulfill its mission of a 3,000-mile unrefueled range at a 70,000 foot altitude.
Although no X-16 was ever completed, it made contributions to aircraft design with its lightweight design. It was also a driving force behind the development of the high-altitude J57 jet engine that would later power the Lockheed U-2 and other aircraft.
[edit] Operational history
None completed. Program cancelled in 1956.
[edit] Aircraft serial number
28 ordered, none completed.
[edit] Specifications (X-16, as designed)
Data from {name of first source}
General characteristics
- Crew: one, pilot
- Length: 60 ft 10 in (18.55 m)
- Wingspan: 114 ft 10 in (35 m)
- Height: 17 ft 1 in (5.2 m)
- Wing area: 1,099 ft² (102.19 m²)
- Empty weight: 23,280 lb (10,582 kg)
- Loaded weight: 36,124 lb (16,420 kg)
- Powerplant: 2× Pratt & Whitney J57-PW-37A turbojets, 4,520 lbf (20.11 kN) each
Performance
- Maximum speed: 480 knots (553 mph, 885 km/h)
- Range: 2,867 nm (3,319 mi, 5,310 km)
- Service ceiling 71,832 ft (21,900 m)
- Wing loading: 33 lb/ft² (160 kg/m²)
- Thrust/weight: 1:0.55
[edit] See also
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Comparable aircraft
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