The X-3 was designed for sustained Mach 2 flight, but could not even reach Mach 1. It did not have the intended engines. Its take-off speed was certainly high - 480 km/h (300 mph). Only the first of two examples, 49-2892, was completed and flown, for the first time in October 1952. The aircraft was handed over to NACA in August 1954, becoming NACA 892. Photo by: Loomis Dean / Life
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