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Flight Test Files: The Douglas D-558-2 Skyrocket – Chasing Mach 2

Vintage Aviation News

Scott Crossfield, in a daring flight plan devised by project engineer Herman Ankenbruck, pushed the Skyrocket to its absolute limits. This 1950s photograph shows the Douglas D-558-2 and the North American F-86 Sabre chase aircraft in flight. Both aircraft display early examples of swept-wing airfoils.

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Mach Number Explained: What It Is and Why Pilots Use It

Pilot Institute

Making the wing relatively flat on top with a blunter leading edge and more curvature on the bottom gives you a supercritical airfoil. Ultimate Guide to Becoming a Pilot FREE COURSE Supersonic Flight Supersonic speeds are those above Mach 1.2 Even the wing cross-section can be designed to redirect shock waves.