Stored outside, all that remains of a very rare French research aircraft of the late 1940s, rescued after being a target on a gunnery range. The third of only 4 built and the only survivor. 1/ #planespotting #avgeek #aviationdaily #aircraft #aviationlovers #aviation #milair 
Sud-Ouest Espadon (Swordfish) first flew in 1948 & was intended to be fighter/interceptor but, as with so many 1st generation jets, it proved to be underpowered and failed to meet specs. The 4 prototypes then became test beds for various engine configurations. 2/
This one, SO.6025, fitted with a rocket engine below the fuselage, was the 1st European A/C to break the sound barrier in level flight, 15 Dec. ‘53. Along with jet fuel it had rocket fuel & nitric acid between the jet intake & rocket so it could be safely dumped if necessary. 3/4
At some point it went to the gunnery range at Suippes, Marne. Shrapnel holes can still be seen on the fuselage and fin. In 1971, Ailes Anciennes Alsace saved it from the firing range and the remains survive as a truly unique piece of French aviation history. 4/4
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