The need for speed.

The Bell X-1

An early morning collaboration with Jeff Campagna on a National Treasure spread for the Smithsonian Magazine.

In October of 1947, the Bell X-1 became the first airplane to break the sound barrier, reaching a speed of 1,127 kilometers (700miles) per hour, Mach 1.06 at an altitude of 13,000 meters (43,000 feet.) Piloted by U.S. Air Force Captain, Charles E. “Chuck” Yeager, who named the airplane Glamorous Glennis in tribute to his wife.