This info-graphic shows the internal design of the first vehicle to break the sound barrier.

The Bell X-1, known for breaking the sound barrier in level flight for the first time, was a revolutionary aircraft with a unique design and construction. Here are the key aspects of its construction:

1. Materials: The primary structure of the Bell X-1 was constructed primarily from aluminum alloy, a common material used in aircraft construction. Aluminum was chosen for its lightweight yet strong properties.
2. Fuselage: The fuselage of the X-1 had a slender and streamlined shape to reduce aerodynamic drag. It featured a cockpit for a single pilot located toward the front of the aircraft.
3. Wing Design: The X-1 had thin, straight wings with a high aspect ratio (length-to-chord ratio). This wing design reduced drag and allowed for high-speed flight.
4. Rocket Engine: The X-1 was powered by a four-chambered, liquid-fueled rocket engine built by Reaction Motors, Inc. The engine used a mixture of liquid oxygen (LOX) and alcohol as propellants. The rocket engine provided the necessary thrust for supersonic flight.
5. External Fuel Tanks: The X-1 featured external fuel tanks mounted on the sides of the fuselage. These tanks carried the LOX and alcohol propellants required for the rocket engine. They were jettisoned when empty to reduce weight and drag.
6. Horizontal Stabilizers: The X-1 had horizontal stabilizers located on the tail to provide stability and control during flight. These surfaces helped the pilot maintain level flight and control the aircraft’s pitch attitude.
7. Control Surfaces: The X-1 had conventional control surfaces, including ailerons on the wings for roll control and a rudder on the vertical tail for yaw control. The control surfaces were manually operated by the pilot.
8. Cockpit: The cockpit was designed for a single pilot and was equipped with the necessary flight controls, instrumentation, and safety features. The pilot had a clear canopy for visibility.
9. Instrumentation: The instrument panel included essential flight instruments, such as an airspeed indicator, altimeter, artificial horizon, and engine instruments. These instruments provided the pilot with critical data during high-speed flight.
10. Ejection Seat: To ensure the safety of the pilot, the X-1 was equipped with an ejection seat. In the event of an emergency, the pilot could eject from the aircraft to escape.
11. Sound Barrier Research: The X-1 was built with the specific goal of studying the effects of supersonic flight and breaking the sound barrier. Its construction and design were tailored to withstand the stresses and aerodynamic challenges of reaching and surpassing Mach 1, the speed of sound.
12. Skids: The X-1 featured two small skids on its lower surface to protect the aircraft during landing. These skids helped absorb the impact when the X-1 touched down on the dry lakebed of the Rogers Dry Lake at Edwards Air Force Base in California after each flight.

The Bell X-1 was a pioneering aircraft that pushed the boundaries of high-speed flight and paved the way for subsequent supersonic and hypersonic research. Its construction was a testament to the ingenuity of its designers and engineers in the early days of the jet and rocket age.