How This Illustration Fueled My Obsession With the Bell X-1

--Note: This video was re-loaded to correct the aspect ratio.
The Bell X-1 is one of aviation history's most important--and interesting--aircraft. Everyone knows Chuck Yeager flew it to establish the first record-breaking flight beyond Mach 1, but there's much more to the airplane than that. In this long-form video, AVweb's Paul Bertorelli uses a fantastic drawing of the X-1 panel by aviation artist Jean-Luc Beghin to explain the X-1's systems and details. Stunning imagery from the Smithsonian's Air & Space Museum fills in many of the gaps.
You can find Jean-Luc Beghin's impressive artwork--including the X-1 cockpit-- at www.etsy.com/shop/JeanLucBegh...

[@ronaldtartaglia4459]

So well done I didn’t want it to end.

[@moss8448]

absolutely outstanding

[@pamagee2011]

“Those aileron hinges would be right at home on a bank vault.” Keep em coming, PB

[@manoflego123]

I'm privileged enough to be a short trip away from the Smithsonian Air and Space museum, and getting to see the X-1 in person is a joy. That and every other amazing piece of aviation history in that building.

[@manoflego123]

Correction: I confused the X-1 and X-15 momentarily, but both were on display so I wasn't completely wrong.

[@bjs2022]

Thanks for the great, detailed historical presentation. I suspect I and most other pilots and aviation fans did not know about the complexity of those test aircraft.

[@delskorch]

This justifies my internet bill for the month. Thanks for such a well produced and presented history of the X1.

[@imagineaworld]

His attachment to the art is what really made the video special. Not often we get a personal feel for the life of this wise cat

[@cheerdiver]

@@imagineaworld Mid East proverb ~ When an old man speaks, sit down and listen..

[@Qrail]

I once asked General Yeager if the X1 was his favorite. “No”, he said. “The newer the better.” Thanks for the history lesson. Can you do the x15 next?

[@maximilianduehr3450]

Are you related to the Fairchild Aircraft Manufacturer?

[@Qrail]

@@maximilianduehr3450 yes, I am. However, Sherman Mills Fairchild was a bachelor.

[@SvenTviking]

I blocked him on Twitter. Great pilot, brave man, horrible old bloke.

[@justforever96]

Not a shock, it was horrible to fly. It made him famous but that is no reason for it to be his favorite.

[@charlesballiet7074]

wow the amount of work in that hand drawing its like every texture and detail is rendered and the perspective is exquisite

[@Old_B52H_Gunner]

This is imo the best video yet. I’m a huge aviation history buff, and this was a video I actually downloaded from KZbin, I’ve only done that once before.

[@pamagee2011]

I remember, in “The Right Stuff,” Chuck Yeager switching on each of the four rockets. Didn’t know what he was doing at the time.

[@bighaasfly]

That was cool! Thank you for the insight. I’ll give you a personal sidenote about the X-1, or at least the movie mock-up they made of it for The Right Stuff. In the late 80s I was at a soaring competition at California city, California. I walked around a building, I think it was behind the little restaurant there at the airfield, and lo and behold there sat the mock up of the X-1. As a aviation junkie kid who watched the movie the Right Stuff about 37 times on VHS, I can still recall the goosebumps coming up over my arms. I will confess to sticking my head in the cockpit and staring out the window. It’s a vision I will never forget.

[@warplanner8852]

Back in the day (circa 1953) _the_ X-1 that Yeager flew was in a quonset hut out in back of the Smithsonian along with other memorabilia that were later to go into the aero and space museum. My dad (working at the Pentagon at the time) was good friends of the curator of that display. He got my brother and I a visit there and the curator allowed us each _to sit in the X-1 for a bit_ and wash that a thrill!

[@stonehorn4641]

Flying for 24 years, and somehow only found this channel this week.

[@petruzzovichi]

I'm uncertain how many videos you recorded and provided on You Tube but I intend over time to watch each and every one of them. They are wonderfully Fact-Filled, serious, professional reports presented in a relaxed manner. A million thanks to all involved.

[@martinda7446]

I think the Bell X-1 is a stunningly beautiful thing and I love it. Brilliant video. There is a fascinating story about the British sound barrier project that was under way in 1945/6. The Miles M52 was built to reach1000Mph. Whittle had designed an engine with the power required for supersonic flight in the M52. Whittle had patented reheat (afterburner) for the new supersonic engine. The pilot chosen was the extraordinary Winkle Brown, who's record breaking exploits in the air will never be matched again. They had finalised the design with all movable horizontal stabiliser and were preparing to put the whole lot together for an attempt to break the sound barrier in 1946. As is often the case with the British, politics became entangled with the project and cancelled it to the absolute dismay of all involved. The story goes that the knowledge gained in developing the M52 was passed on to the Americans... But I'm not one who would say it definitely was or even if it ever filtered down to Bell. Facts here are not clear. Anyhow they (Bell) would certainly have done it with or without any help. What is more certain is that the M52 would likely have broken the sound barrier in 1946. Have a look it is also a beautiful thing. Edit, The story goes that intercepted German papers had proposed an aircraft capable of 1000mph and the panicked British got on to Whittle who said it was possible to do.. and got to work...It turns out the Germans were talking about 1000Kph.... Edit again...And there it is! Your comprehensive overview showed the Miles aircraft just as I finished writing..Doh!

[@sandervanderkammen9230]

Please stop spreading lies and false information about the Miles M.52. *THE MILES M.52 NEVER EXISTED* What you have posted is pure fiction,

[@sandervanderkammen9230]

No aircraft powered by a centrifugal turbojet ever reached Mach 1 in level flight. The Stabilator is not a Miles or a British invention and there is zero credibility to that claim.

[@ELMS]

That was very interesting and comprehensive, Paul. Thanks for putting in the time and effort to make a great video. 👍

[@Kurgutt]

Thank you for this deep dive, very instructional and fascinating. Can't believe this was done more than 70 years ago...

[@danahavron9285]

Thank you for the interesting information. CAPT Jimmy Fitzgerald, a West Point graduate and P-51 pilot in WWII, was the 2nd pilot to exceed Mach 1 behind GEN Yeager. He is discussed in

[@matthayward7889]

I *thought* I knew all about the X1, I now know a lot more. Brilliant video, I’d love to see more like this.

[@taccs27570]

Thank you sir for this. I learned a lot. As an Air Force veteran, the late, great Chuck Yeager and his career have been an area of interest for my entire life.

[@terry12327]

So much to know about the X-1 and there being built as pure research on Mach speeds... For when X -1 flew we truly knew we had sustained Mach 1 speeds!

[@airgliderz]

Best x1 video yet.

[@Larpy1933]

Thanks. I had no idea what was under the skin of that craft. A lot! Fascinating and humbling in every way.

[@stevenrashby]

Paul! Thank you for this excellent documentary. I can certainly understand why you have such an affinity for the X1. Our gift is that you can relate these facts and your passion so well.

[@jrwarner579]

Thanks Paul for a great breakdown... very interesting!!!!

[@damienmilk3025]

This has been a wonderfully detailed look into an unfortunately forgotten aircraft. Thank you.

[@justforever96]

How does one classify one of the most famous and iconic aircraft in history as "forgotten"? I hear people using this term all the time for wildly inappropriate things. Just because it isn't as well known as the p-51 or B-17 doesn't make it "forgotten", and I suspect a higher percentage of the general public can recognize the X1 than a Spitfire. They can at least id the X1 as "that plane that broke the sound barrier" while they might not even recognize a Spitfire.

[@Bill_N_ATX]

A great video sir! Thank you and your crew for presenting it to us.

[@cmhbaxter]

Excellent! Thank you.

[@stevensterry796]

A very nice tribute to Chuck and all those engineers ! Thanx for all the hard work Paul ! Great history 😁

[@Cherokee140Driver]

Fantastic content, Paul. This is such an excellent video. Thanks for taking the time to make it.

[@rigilchrist]

Really fascinating and enlightening, thank you so much for making this!

[@patrickroher4760]

Thank you for making this presentation.

[@alexhouse1684]

Great video Paul, thank you!

[@adeeperbluegreen]

Always great content!

[@prof.heinous191]

Thanks for all your work on this Paul, learnt a lot here!

[@jcbaker01]

Great detail that I was not aware of. Thanks Paul

[@leftcoaster67]

Thanks Paul, fantastic video.

[@trevors2842]

What a treasure trove of history and info! Thanks so much for putting this together and sharing it!

[@rickestabrook4987]

Excellent, as usual, Thanks Paul

[@thomasbelmont810]

Thank you Paul. I always look forward to seeing your AVweb videos and columns. This was especially good! 🚀

[@leeadams5941]

That was great, there is much on General Yeager but very little on the aircraft...even less on Jack Ridley who sadly lost his life in Japan...would love to see something on him and the rest of the folks that put the General in the seat of the X1

[@jamesrunnels2399]

Paul, you do exceptional work. Always, and this time in particular. Thank you.

[@philiphorner31]

Truly amazing to actually see it.

[@MarkFerraretto]

Fantastic!

[@deansiracusa3966]

Well done! Thanks Paul for producing this. So nice to see a historical piece about an important airplane, done by a pilot! The attention to real data is greatly appreciated!

[@scottcornwell1148]

This was outstanding! What an excellent education. I will watch it again soon. Too much to take in on one pass. Thank you so much Paul!

[@scottfranco1962]

Really amazing work Paul.

[@pdawdy]

Utterly fascinating. I've been obsessed with the x1 and x15 since childhood.

[@LanceCampeau]

Loved it...

[@av8bvma513]

Outstanding Paul! Obsession Rules!

[@StickandGlider]

PB is the single best internet “personality” on KZbin. While there are many others out there, he wins, hands down.

[@SithLord2066]

Paul is hilarious in a dead-pan sort of way.

[@junkdriver42]

This was a terrific video, lots of great detailed information and really gives an appreciation for the pilot workload on these flights.

[@Habu12]

I've read books on the X-1, but one of them have been this concise. Bravo, Paul!

[@ramjet4025]

An addictive video. Fantastic. One of the best from AVweb

[@andypuempel2570]

This is a great video, Paul. Nicely done and very interesting.

[@brettwest549]

Paul, outstanding piece! You are hands down THE best in aviation journalism. Thanks for all your wonderful contributions, and look forward to many, many more.

[@PatrickJWenzel]

I'm grateful for the reload. Wouldn't have known about this video otherwise. Amazing amount of work that's gone into it.

[@Joe_Not_A_Fed]

My inner av geek is positively giddy right now. Absolutely fascinating. Thanks.

[@shaunybonny688]

Great video on the X-1 et al. The deep dive into the plane was great.

[@Bortnoone]

Wow. What an interesting historical video. Well done.

[@recoilrob324]

Most excellent explanation of the aircraft and the why's and how's that are so interesting to us all. Thank you!

[@CCitis]

Such a great video. Thanks.

[@irnbrukidsm]

Great video with heaps of information and explanation

[@thomasanderson7454]

Phenomenal account of the X-1! I wish it were a series leading us through the details of its successors. Just flawless presentation!

[@Balthazar744]

Fantastic video Paul. More please.

[@kellytrimble4120]

WOW That was GREAT. I really enjoyed that, lots of stuff here that I didn't know. Really, it was the highlight of my day. I watch a ton of aviation related UTube stuff and most of it is not that great, mostly safety lectures, pilot ego trips, and rehash of things we already know. Not much out there that is really thought provoking. Also loved the history details. I always thought the X-1 was relatively simple, shaped like a bullet with a rocket engine, you get in, you drop, you hit a button and hung on until somebody told you the sound barrier was broken. I had no idea the systems were so complicated and innovative. Thank you Paul Berterelli and everybody at AVWeb.

[@kenjuen]

Outstanding documentary, Congrats!

[@erezra]

That was a really good video! I had no idea. Thanks!

[@Dfoulds28]

Wow excellent video, you did a great job discussing the complex engineering of the aircraft!

[@OverlandOne]

That is a beautiful illustration.

[@m180190]

Very informative, thank you!

[@dogatonic]

Great video. Well done.

[@vonpeedler]

I watched it twice. A lot of info in 25 minutes. Thanks for sharing!

[@Panomition]

This video is so awesome.

[@scotthuff4485]

This video should have more views and likes. Outstanding production, Paul. Fascinating!

[@TJH1]

A genuinely fascinating video, many thanks!

[@farmerbobross]

Awesome video! Keep 'em coming. Thanks!

[@ChaseStricklandjax]

Fascinating and entertainingly told - thanks!

[@huggerme]

Excellent video.

[@KennethStringer1985]

As a fellow Airplane Geek, loved the video! It was fascinating how you described all the inner working of the X-1, an airplane I previously knew nothing about beyond the famous record it's so well know for. Thanks for taking the time to make this video, well enjoyed and educational at the same time, hope to see more in the future.

[@rozinaakter7147]

Awesome 👍

[@Propwashpirate]

Excellent video! Thank you sir.

[@19Cub]

Outstanding video! 🙂

[@JimBagley]

What an excellent video. Really interesting information. Thank you. Well done.

[@patjohn775]

I was half through the original video when you took it down! That goodness it’s back. I thought you would leave me hanging

[@AVweb]

Sorry for that. I'm not sure why, but the aspect shifted on the original upload.

[@TGDylan96]

Great video!

[@dynomike11]

Super interesting and well-presented, thank you!

[@snappers_antique_firearms]

That was truly an amazing video

[@alitlweird]

Every time I discover a channel of this high quality, I always wonder why and how I didn’t discover it earlier.

[@zigwil153]

wow. great video.

[@jetdoctn]

Great video, thanks for all the information.

[@ericgoldstein4734]

Always enjoy your videos, but this one was particularly interesting! Great work!

[@topgunm]

Great video! Thanks!

[@Dennco2000]

Excellent thank you

[@ronjon7942]

Nice work.

[@ajgriffeth7899]

SWEET VIDEO

[@n721sw]

Many thanks for the video sir! I learned so much, I thought I knew all about the X1.

[@danahavron9285]

Regarding CAPT Fitzgerald, GEN Yeager discusses him in his book about what an outstanding pilot he was. Unfortunately, not long after guiding his Bell X1 over Mach in Sept 1948 he was flying back from an airshow at Edward's AFB returning to Wright Patterson in some type of Air Force plane and was involved in a fatal crash. He accomplished much in his 29 years supporting Allied forces moving up the boot of Italy prior to become a Test Pilot. He was from the small town of South Pittsburg, TN and my grandfather was his high school principal.

[@billpassman6875]

Great video. My dad worked on the X1. More on later models and the X2. Fascinating details.

[@RobtheAviator]

Fantastic work. Subscribed! Keep the content coming.

[@ccserfas4629]

That was awsome