Object Details
Manufacturer
Reaction Motors, Inc.
Summary
The XLR-11 rocket engine, developed by Reaction Motors, Inc. (RMI), was initially used in the Bell X-1 rocket research aircraft, the first plane to reach the speed of sound, in 1947. Each of the four chambers produced 1,500 pounds of thrust. They were fired separately or in groups for a maximum thrust of 6,000 pounds.
Besides the X-1, the engine was used in the X-1A, X-1B, X1D, X-1E, Douglas D-558-2 Skyrocket, and XF-91. Two XLR-11s also served as the "Interim Engine" for the X-15 research aircraft, while its larger XLR-99 engine was completing its development. This XLR-11 is one of two used in the first test flight of the X-15 on 17 September 1959. The engine was transferred to the NASM in 1963 by the U.S. Air Force.
Credit Line
Transferred from the U.S. Air Force
Inventory Number
A19630362000
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Type
PROPULSION-Rocket Engines
Materials
HAZMAT: Cadmium
Anodized Aluminum
Ferrous Alloy
Non-Magnetic White Metal
Plastic
Paper
Ink
Paint
Adhesive Tape
Dimensions
Approximate: 5 ft. × 1 ft. 7 in., 210lb., 58.4cm (152.4 × 48.3cm, 95.3kg, 1 ft. 11 in.)
Other (Each of 4 Thrust Chambers): 1 ft. 9 3/4 in. × 6 in. (55.2 × 15.2cm)
Country of Origin
United States of America
See more items in
National Air and Space Museum Collection
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nasm_A19630362000