Rocket Engine, Liquid Fuel, XLR-11

Object Details

Summary: This is the XLR-11, also called the 6000C-4, one of the most widely used U.S. liquid-propellant rocket engines that powered the Bell X-1 and other rocket research aircraft. Developed by Reaction Motors, Inc. in 1945, it produced a maximum thrust of 6,000 pounds from its four combustion chambers. The engine's most famous application was powering the X-1, the first plane to reach the speed of sound on 14 October 1947.; It was also used in the X-1A, X-1B, X-1D, X-1E, Douglas D-558-1 Skyrocket, and XF-91. Two tandem 6000C-4's served as the Interim Engine for the X-15 from 1960-1961, and it also powered several NASA Lifting Bodies (the HL-10, MS-F3, X-24A, and X-24B). This object was donated to the Smithsonian in 1952 by Reaction Motors, Inc.

ca. 1945-1953

Materials: Overall Steel, Adhesive, Synthetic Fabric, Stainless Fabric, Copper, Aluminum, Paint, Stainless Steel, Brass
Dimensions: Overall: 24 × 56 1/2 in., 210lb. (61 × 143.5cm, 95.3kg); Storage (Artex Crate): 91.4 × 177.8 × 91.4cm (36 × 70 × 36 in.); Approximate (Weighed with Stand): 182.3kg (402lb.)

National Air and Space Museum

GUID (Link to Original Record): http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/nv9529de4b4-e917-4117-94ce-3df02b2f4621