Pilot’s Notes from the Ninth Powered Flight of the XS-1, October 14, 1947
This document is a first-hand account of United States Air Force Captain Charles E. Yeager’s accomplishment of breaking the sound barrier in a piloted aircraft on October 14, 1947.
This accomplishment was the culmination of research and the development of aircraft that could withstand the stress and pressures produced at supersonic speeds. This flight also proved that a human body could withstand supersonic flight. Continual research and development of supersonic flight led to advancements in civilian and military aviation and the ability for space exploration.
Our office holds Captain Yeager’s notes from this history-making flight and previous unsuccessful attempts at surpassing the sound barrier, and moment-by-moment accounts of his experiences in the XS-1 aircraft. We also hold records relating to D series, F series, and X series aircraft developed and tested by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
Pilot’s Notes from the Ninth Powered Flight of the XS-1, dated October 14, 1947. National Archives Identifier: 295644.
You can explore more records held in the National Archives at Riverside by searching the National Archives Catalog or by visiting our research room in person. We encourage researchers to contact us to learn more about our holdings or to schedule an appointment.