Douglas D558-II Skyrocket
The D558-II Skyrocket was the Navy's supersonic research aircraft. The aircraft was originally fitted with both a turbojet and rocket engine. The turbojet was later removed and the Skyrocket was launched from a modified P2B (the Navy's version of the Air Force's B-50) bomber. In November 1953 Scott Crossfield became the first man to exceed twice the speed of sound while piloting the Skyrocket. Three aircraft were built. This one was on display at the Planes of Fame Museum in Chino, California, in July 1989...
I returned to Chino in September 2001 and found the Skyrocket had been moved into a hanger. I don't know why I didn't shoot a closeup of the nose wheel...
