The first 50 years of powered human flight were marked by a desire to always go faster and higher. At first, the daredevils—be they racers or barnstormers—drove this. By the end of the 1930s, however, increases in speed and altitude were largely the province of government—the cost of designing and building the ever-faster aircraft was becoming prohibitive for individuals. As is usually the case, war increased the tempo of development, and two major conflicts within 30 years provided a tremendous impetus for advancements in aviation. By the end of World War II the next great challenge was in sight: the “sound barrier” that stood between the pilots and supersonic flight.
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