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

Vintage Aviation News

They flew a total of 313 missions, collecting invaluable data on pitch stability, lift, drag, and buffeting in transonic and supersonic flight. Crossfield flew the Skyrocket 20 times, collecting critical data on longitudinal and lateral stability. In 1953, U.S. 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

When you reach around 36,000 feet (11,000 m) near the tropopause, the temperature stabilizes at around -56.5 °C. The tailplane (horizontal stabilizer) at high Mach can also develop shocks or experience disturbed airflow from the wings. As you go higher, the air usually gets colder.

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