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This is the XLR-11, also called the 6000C-4, one of the most widely used U.S. liquid-propellant rocket engines that powered the Bell X-1 and other rocket research aircraft. Developed by Reaction Motors, Inc. in 1945, it produced a maximum thrust of 6,000 pounds from its four combustion chambers. The engine's most famous application was powering the X-1, the first plane to reach the speed of sound on 14 October 1947.

It was also used in the X-1A, X-1B, X-1D, X-1E, Douglas D-558-1 Skyrocket, and XF-91. Two tandem 6000C-4's served as the Interim Engine for the X-15 from 1960-1961, and it also powered several NASA Lifting Bodies (the HL-10, MS-F3, X-24A, and X-24B). This object was donated to the Smithsonian in 1952 by Reaction Motors, Inc.

 Display Status

This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Object Details
Date ca. 1945-1953 Country of Origin United States of America Type PROPULSION-Rocket Engines Manufacturer Reaction Motors, Inc.
 Dimensions Overall: 24 × 56 1/2 in., 210lb. (61 × 143.5cm, 95.3kg)
Storage (Artex Crate): 91.4 × 177.8 × 91.4cm (36 × 70 × 36 in.)
Approximate (Weighed with Stand): 182.3kg (402lb.)
 Materials Overall Steel, Adhesive, Synthetic Fabric, Stainless Fabric, Copper, Aluminum, Paint, Stainless Steel, Brass
 Inventory Number A19530051000 Credit Line Reaction Motors, Inc. Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.