Code One Magazine: The X Planes, X-3

X-3
Mission: The X-3 was specifically designed to explore high-speed aerodynamics at speeds of Mach 2.0 for periods of at least thirty minutes. The lack of a suitable powerplant prevented the aircraft from ever achieving mission design objectives. Its low-aspect-ratio wings eventually justified the use of similar wings on the noteworthy Lockheed F-104 Starfighter. Two Westinghouse J34-WE-17 afterburning turbojet engines powered the X-3.

Manufacturer: Douglas Aircraft Company
Number Built: 1
Sponsor: USAF, NACA
Fastest Flight: 0.95 Mach (650 mph)
Highest Flight: 35,000+ feet
First Flight: 20 October 1952
Last Flight: 23 May 1956
Total Flights: 51
Length: 66 feet 9 inches
Wingspan: 22 feet 8.25 inches
Height: 12 feet 6.3 inches
Gross Weight: 23,840 lb

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