Douglas D-558-2 Skyrocket supersonic research aircraft being chased by an F-86 Sabre (circa 1953)

"The NACA Test Force

The fleet of NACA test aircraft are assembled in front of the hangar at the High Speed Flight Station, (later renamed the Dryden Flight Research Center) in Edwards, California. The white aircraft in the foreground is a Douglas Aircraft D-558-2 Skyrocket. To its left and right are North American F-86 Sabre chase aircraft. Directly behind the D-558-2 is the P2B-1 Superfortress, (the Navy version of the Air Force B-29). Also known as the 'mothership,' the P2B-1 carried aloft the D-558-2 Skyrocket under its fuselage. Once reaching altitude, the D-558-2 was released from the 'mothership' after which the pilot ignited its onboard rocket engine."

Date: January 17, 1954

"This NACA High-Speed Flight Research Station photograph shows the Douglas D-558-2 #2 Skyrocket (NACA 144), prior to flight, being towed under the P2B-1S launch vehicle (NACA 137) for attachment. The photograph also shows the large hydraulic jacks used to elevate the P2B-1S launch vehicle. Once the D-558-2 was in position, the P2B-1S would be lowered and the attachment made."

Date: August 1953

Douglas D-558-II Skyrocket on ramp at South Base.

Date: 1949

The Douglas D-558-2 Skyrocket research aircraft equipped with rocket and jet motors taking off from Muroc Army Airfield, California.

Photo recorded in March 1950.

"Douglas D-558, first aircraft to break the sound barrier flown by (now) Rear Admiral Turner Caldwell, USN, and Major General Marion Carl, USMC. Aircraft is at Marine Corps Museum, Quantico, Museum."

"Early NACA research aircraft on the lakebed at the High Speed Research Station in 1955: Left to right: X-1E, D-558-II, X-1B."

Date: August 12, 1955