Douglas X-3 Stilleto - The Dagger That Could Barely Fly

When WW2 ended, the US began conducting experiments with aircraft capable of Mach 1 speed at a steady pace. US engineers knew that supersonic fighters and jets were the future of aerial combat.

Some designs were successful, but with technology advancing quickly with every new discovery, the US Air Force wanted to take it to the next level.

With the sole purpose of getting ahead of the Soviet Union in the arms race, the rising enemy of the decades-long Cold War, the US government was focused on developing cutting edge military-grade technology before the Soviets did.

The US Army and USAF requested aircraft companies to develop a design capable of reaching or surpassing Mach 2 and maintaining such speed.

The result was the ambitious Douglas X-3 Stiletto.

Produced by the renowned Douglas Aircraft Company, who gave the US and the Allies the legendary Douglas SBD, nicknamed Slow But Deadly, and the rugged A-20 Havoc, the Stiletto was a unique piece of engineering.

It was the sleekest of the early experimental aircraft of supersonic speeds. It was a one-man jet made entirely of aluminum with a very unique look never quite seen before.

Nonetheless, although the long and slim fuselage had the looks to accomplish its goals, the X-3 Stiletto fell short of its performance goals. It proved underpowered to the grand idea of reaching Mach 2, as it could barely get to Mach 1.

It's testing, though, gave engineers the insights needed to produce the Lockheed F-104 Starfighter. This plane had a similar trapezoidal wing and could successfully reach Mach 2 speeds easily.

Today, the Douglas X-3 Stiletto is remembered for its slender look and its ambitious capabilities that distanced its design from other iconic Douglas aircraft that were bulky, rugged, and built for intense combat situations.

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