Chuck Yeager

aviation · world record · test pilot · speed

Broke the sound barrier. On October 14, 1947, Chuck Yeager flew a special rocket plane called the Bell X-1 faster than the speed of sound for the first time in history. He was traveling at about 660 miles per hour when he did it.

Fighter pilot hero. During World War II, Yeager was a fighter pilot who shot down many enemy planes. He was so skilled and brave that other pilots looked up to him as a true flying ace.

Flew with broken ribs. The day before his famous sound barrier flight, Yeager had an accident and broke two ribs. He still went ahead with the mission anyway, showing incredible determination.

Test pilot pioneer. After the war, Yeager tested experimental planes that pushed the limits of what aircraft could do. His work helped scientists and engineers understand how to make safer, faster planes.

Record after record. Yeager didn't stop at the sound barrier. He kept setting new speed records and became one of the most celebrated test pilots in the world.