Douglas X-3 Stiletto Newsreel - 1952

A way too short (But neat) newsreel on the Douglas X-3. Looking much faster than she actually was, there were no powerplants around in 1952 that could push her up to the airplane’s design speed, and was only able to achieve Mach 1 in a shallow dive. Unlike most of the other “X-Planes“ of the day, the X-3 took off under her own power, as opposed to being dropped from a “Mother Ship“. Although two were under construction, only the one prototype was ever completed, the second being used for spare parts. Needless to say, she was a skidish aircraft to fly; requiring a 200 mph plus take-off & landing speed, and a 13,000 foot take-off roll!! The airplane survived the test program, and is now on display at Wright-Pat. Got to see her there in 1974 at age 13, and what a magical moment that was! Like the B-58 “Hustler“, she’s arguably the coolest looking jet aircraft ever built. Be sure to check my channel for the BEST in VINTAGE &