| X-16 | |
|---|---|
 X-16 Mock-up | |
| General information | |
| Type | High altitudereconnaissance aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Bell Aircraft Corporation |
| Primary user | United States Air Force (intended) |
TheBell X-16 was a high altitudeaerial reconnaissancejet aircraft designed in theUnited States in the 1950s. The designation of X-16 was a cover to try to hide the true nature of the aircraft mission from theSoviet Union during theCold War.[1]
During the second half of 1953,Fairchild, Bell, andMartin Aircraft conducted high altitude reconnaissance aircraft design studies for theUnited States Air Force under project MX-2147.[2] All three designs usedPratt & Whitney J57-19 turbojets. The Bell and Martin (B-57D) designs were chosen for further development. The BellModel 67 design was designated theX-16. A full-scale mock-up was completed and one aircraft was partially completed. It was designed as a high altitude long-range reconnaissance aircraft.[3]
The X-16 design was breaking new ground with its design. Its wingspan was long (114 ft 10 in (35.00 m)) with a high (11.9)aspect ratio. The structure was significantly lighter and more flexible than usual for jet aircraft wings. The entire aircraft was made as light as possible to achieve its intended 3,000-mile[clarification needed] unrefueled range at 69,500 ft (21,200 m).[2]
A total of 28 aircraft were ordered, but none were completed. The first X-16 was about 80 percent complete when the program was cancelled by the Air Force in favor of theMartin RB-57 in 1956. Although no X-16 was ever completed, it made contributions to aircraft design with its lightweight design. It was also a driving force behind the development of the high-altitude versions of the J57 that would later power theLockheed U-2 and other aircraft.[citation needed]
Data from[3]
General characteristics
Performance
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era
