Douglas Skystreak D-558-1: Our Douglas Skystreak D-558-1 model airplane is made of the finest grade materials which underwent stages of meticulous and careful sanding, carving and modeling to its original form. Our craftsmen and artisans ensure finely handcrafted Douglas Skystreak D-558-1 model airplane with precise blueprint details of the original airplane. The Douglas Skystreak D-558-1 model airplane’s paint scheme, markings and parts are extremely accurate and complete, reflecting the true original Douglas Skystreak D-558-1 model airplane. It also comes with a sturdy, durable base with a chrome steel support mounting rod. This top-quality Douglas Skystreak D-558-1 model airplane will surely mesmerize anyone who receives this elegant desktop display as a gift. Douglas Skystreak D-558-1 History: The Douglas Skystreak (D-558-1) was designed in 1945 by the Douglas Aircraft Company for the US Navy Bureau of Aeronautics, in conjunction with the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA). The Skystreak was a turbojet powered aircraft that took off from the ground under its own power and had straight wings and tails. The D-558-1 reached Mach 0.99 in level flight, but only flew supersonic in a dive. In the public mind, much of the research performed by the D-558-1 was quickly overshadowed by Chuck Yeager and the supersonic X-1 rocket plane. However, the Skystreak played an important role in aeronautical research by flying for extended periods of time at transonic speeds, which freed the X-1 to fly for limited periods at supersonic speeds. This model has measurements of: Span: 9 1/2" Len: 13 1/4" and Scale: 1/32