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This is the Sonic Wind 2 rocket sled powered by three solid fuel rocket motors. Sonic Wind 2 was designed for windblast studies. The windblast tests were important in the Air Force's study of aircraft crash forces and led to the development of improved escape systems from aircraft. Sonic Wind 2 was first used operationally in 1957 in which a chimpanzee in a flying suit was the passenger. The sled was later used at the Air Force's Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., during 1958-1959 for similar runs with chimpanzees. Sonic Wind 2 reached speeds up to Mach 1.7 (1,326 miles per hour). Following the chimpanzee rides, runs were made with anthropormorphic dummies until the conclusion of the windblast program in 1959. The sled was transferred to the Smiithsonian in 1968 from the Air Force.
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. 1955-1956
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
PROPULSION-Miscellaneous
Manufacturer
Northrop Aircraft Inc. Dimensions
Overall: 5 ft. 1 in. tall x 7 ft. 11 in. wide x 14 ft. long (154.94 x 241.3 x 426.72cm) Materials
Steel Inventory Number
A19680016000
Credit Line
Transferred from U.S. Air Force
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.