Dates

Event

September 1952

Constructed as a X-3.

11 September 1952

Aircraft delivered to Edwards AFB, CA.

15 October 1952

First lift off flown by Douglas test pilot Bill Bridgeman. Aircraft lifted and flew about a mile before setting back down.

20 October 1952

First flight.
Flown by Douglas test pilot Bill Bridgeman.

Circa December 1952

Photographer: NACA

December 1953

Taken on Strength/Charge with the United States Air Force with s/n 49-2892.

From 1954 to 1956

Loaned to National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics.
Assigned to the NACA High-Speed Flight Research Station (HSFRS), Edwards AFB, CA. Test flights flown by USAF and NACA pilots.

23 August 1954

First flight.
NACA first checkout flight.

1954

Photographer: NASA Dryden Flight Research Cent

From 1954 to 1956

Tested such new materials as titanium and collected data on stability and control, pressure distribution, and flight loads. Because it was underpowered an interim J34 engine, the X-3 failed to achieve the high speeds for which it was designed, but it pioneered in the use of titanium and contributed to the development of aircraft tire technology. (Baugher).

1956

Photographer: NASA Dryden Flight Research Cent

23 May 1956

Last flight.
Program cancelled by USAF after only 6 flights.

June 1956

To United States Air Force Museum, Patterson Field (East Side), Dayton, OH.
View the Location Dossier

October 1970

To National Museum of the United States Air Force, Wright Field, Dayton, OH.
View the Location Dossier

21 July 1988

Photographer: Glenn Chatfield

Circa 2016

Photographer: National Museum of the USAF

June 2016

Photographer: Gustavo Bonilla
Notes: National Museum of the U.S. Air Force fourth building

17 April 2017

Photographer: Glenn Chatfield