NACA High Speed Flight Speedbird II



In December 1945 NACA was given the task of investigating the behaviour of aircraft at high speeds, nearing the speed of sound. This was in preparation of the attempts to break the sound barrier. Captured German research on swept wings was handed over to NACA and in order to combine this with practical research, NACA was also handed two captured Me-262 aircraft and a number of Jumo 004 engines. Both aircraft were painted gloss white overall.



The first aircraft, T2-101 was nicknamed "Speedbird" and initially bore the brunt of the flight testing. T2-101 was lost however in a crash after an engine failure in May 1947.
The second aircraft, T2-128, received the name Speedbird II after this and it was used in the remainder of the tests. T2-128 was used by NACA until early 1948 and was scrapped in May 1948.



Messerschmitt Me-262 (WkNr 111687) was surrendered to Allied forces at Rhein-Main, Frankfurt, Germany, Mar 31 1945 The aircraft was taken to Thourville, Rouen, France. Shipped to the USA aboard Manawaska Victory, and serialed FE-108. Later re-serialed T2-128. Test flown by Flight Test Division, Wright Field, OH, it was transferred to the NACA high speed flight.



Model: Revell 1/48

TomZ

Nice one ! She sure looks good like that !

        Nice!!

 

Nice, and plausible- the best kind of WHIF's!

Great job on the paint, white is tough for me. 

Schnellvogel?

Quote from: sandiego89 on December 03, 2023, 05:59:02 AMGreat job on the paint, white is tough for me. 

You and me both.

Terrific job Tom 

Excellent stuff, I think I need an Me 262 now.

  

Plausible and very smart!