Lakebed Liftoff by Mike Machat

Perhaps the most visually stunning of the "X" planes, the Douglas X-3 Stiletto looked like Mach 2 just sitting on the ramp. Flown on three of its six USAF test flights by veteran test pilot LtCol. Frank K. "Pete" Everest, Jr., the X-3 was said to be the most difficult flying aircraft encountered by the test pilots who flew it. The stubby-winged "Stiletto" required a 3-mile takeoff run to get airborne, and this with full flaps!

Signature:

Brig. General Frank K. "Pete" EVEREST, Jr. - X-3 Stiletto test pilot