Object Details
Manufacturer
Reaction Motors, Inc.
Summary
This is the XLR-11, also called the 6000C-4, one of the most widely used U.S. liquid-propellant rocket engines that powered the Bell X-1 and other rocket research aircraft. Developed by Reaction Motors, Inc. in 1945, it produced a maximum thrust of 6,000 pounds from its four combustion chambers. The engine's most famous application was powering the X-1, the first plane to reach the speed of sound on 14 October 1947.
It was also used in the X-1A, X-1B, X-1D, X-1E, Douglas D-558-1 Skyrocket, and XF-91. Two tandem 6000C-4's served as the Interim Engine for the X-15 from 1960-1961, and it also powered several NASA Lifting Bodies (the HL-10, MS-F3, X-24A, and X-24B). This object was donated to the Smithsonian in 1952 by Reaction Motors, Inc.
Credit Line
Reaction Motors, Inc.
Date
ca. 1945-1953
Inventory Number
A19530051000
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Type
PROPULSION-Rocket Engines
Materials
Overall Steel, Adhesive, Synthetic Fabric, Stainless Fabric, Copper, Aluminum, Paint, Stainless Steel, Brass
Dimensions
Overall: 24 × 56 1/2 in., 210lb. (61 × 143.5cm, 95.3kg)
Storage (Artex Crate): 91.4 × 177.8 × 91.4cm (36 × 70 × 36 in.)
Approximate (Weighed with Stand): 182.3kg (402lb.)
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_A19530051000