"The story of the Bell-X2 Starbuster is one of equal success and tragedy.
Pilots made history aboard this experimental aircraft, reaching altitudes and speeds that had never been recorded before.
However, these accomplishments came at a great price.
The Starbuster was part of the X-series, experimental aircraft meant to aid in researching flight characteristics after reaching Mach 2 and 3 speed.
Because of its cutting-edge and boundary-pushing performance, it was one of the most difficult planes to fly at the time. Once the X-2 rockets kicked in and sent the aircraft racing through the sky, its supersonic shock wave could be seen from the ground.
Only the most exceptional pilots got to reach unprecedented speeds with the Starbuster. Captain Mel Apt was one of the best known of such pilots.
This father of two was recognized as a hero after extracting a colleague from a burning plane. An experienced and courageous pilot, he made history in 1956 after reaching a Mach 3 speed on the X-2.
Minutes after achieving this record, however, he was lost in a tragic accident.
Apt's life helped widen the knowledge of aeronautical technology. Still, his story is a harsh reminder that historical achievements, at times, require a great sacrifice."
No comments:
Post a Comment