Bell Supersonic Research Test Aircraft Proposal of 1954

[jzichek]

Check out this article on a little known Bell proposal to NACA for a dedicated supersonic research vehicle at RetroMechanix.com:



It was similar in concept to the Bristol 188. The article features 2 sheets of drawings traced from the original blueprint and shows three different engine configurations. While it was a rather spartan design, the aircraft does have an interesting retractable canopy for takeoffs and landings.

[icchan]

The body shape is perfect by itself, but needs a proper pinch at the wings to get the area-rule cleared.  With that, I wonder how it would have done...

[jzichek]

That's a good point; one wonders if area rule would have been incorporated had NACA gone ahead and authorized development. In any case, it's a simple design that would be pretty straightforward to scratchbuild as a model.

[icchan]

As it is, she'd make a fine dash-bomber, I think...it's got the right size for it.