The rocket-powered Douglas D-558-2 research aircraft is highlighted in this selection from the rocket.aero DVD "Mach 2." For more information, visit www.rocket.aero
I thought the one I saw at the Chino air museum was a mock-up made for a TV movie….it looked as if it was made of fiberglass and was missing it’s wings.
This was at the dawn of a new age. Rocket propulsion wasn't quite as attractive as it had been during the war*. Hybrid propulsion was even more problematic, for it involved multiple system complexity and added weight. Soon, higher power turbojet engines-and the very similar boost given by the new, simple, "Afterburner" mechanism would allow designers to turn away from the concept of hybrid propulsion fighters. *Along with Germany's iconic Me-163 Komet rocket powered point defense interceptor, the Soviet Red Air Force fielded small numbers of the La-7(r). This was a fairly normal Lavochkin La-7 fighter with an added rocket motor at the back. The fuels or oxidizers used (depending on nationality) were caustic, poisonous, and/or fire causing. Stuff like red fuming nitric acid (Soviet oxydizer), and 86% pure Hydrogen peroxide (German oxydizer). Overall, rocket planes were a cool idea, but dangerous to fly . . . or be underneath.
@@WildBillCox13 Actually, "hybrid propulsion" had already been tried and proven. The Luftwaffe used nitrous oxide as an additional propulsion addition to the Bf-109 series.
@@caribman10 Another content creator with a specific interest in Military Aircraft. czcams.com/video/4N5lNOYlOb8/video.html&ab_channel=Greg%27sAirplanesandAutomobiles
The Third plane is located at Antelope valley College in Lancaster CA* I'm sitting right in front of it
Ed Heinemann played a large part in designing this and many other Douglas aircraft and deserves mention.
All three prototypes survived the the program. Well done!
I thought the one I saw at the Chino air museum was a mock-up made for a TV movie….it looked as if it was made of fiberglass and was missing it’s wings.
Is that Greg narrating?
It does sound like him…but don’t think it is.
Such a beautiful plane, pity they didn't put a bigger jet engine in it and put it into service.
This was at the dawn of a new age. Rocket propulsion wasn't quite as attractive as it had been during the war*. Hybrid propulsion was even more problematic, for it involved multiple system complexity and added weight. Soon, higher power turbojet engines-and the very similar boost given by the new, simple, "Afterburner" mechanism would allow designers to turn away from the concept of hybrid propulsion fighters.
*Along with Germany's iconic Me-163 Komet rocket powered point defense interceptor, the Soviet Red Air Force fielded small numbers of the La-7(r). This was a fairly normal Lavochkin La-7 fighter with an added rocket motor at the back. The fuels or oxidizers used (depending on nationality) were caustic, poisonous, and/or fire causing. Stuff like red fuming nitric acid (Soviet oxydizer), and 86% pure Hydrogen peroxide (German oxydizer). Overall, rocket planes were a cool idea, but dangerous to fly . . . or be underneath.
@@WildBillCox13 Actually, "hybrid propulsion" had already been tried and proven. The Luftwaffe used nitrous oxide as an additional propulsion addition to the Bf-109 series.
The B-29 was known at the P2V? Really? I thought that was the Neptune sub hunter . . . .
You are correct.....the B-29 was The Superfortress
The Navy version of the B-29 was the P2B, and the Neptune was the P2V.
Golly, I hear your voice and think: "is that Greg?" No offense meant.
William, as a New Yorker and as we speak, who the fuck is Greg?
@@caribman10 Another content creator with a specific interest in Military Aircraft. czcams.com/video/4N5lNOYlOb8/video.html&ab_channel=Greg%27sAirplanesandAutomobiles