<P> One of the highest recorded instrumented Mach numbers attained for a propeller aircraft is the Mach 0.891 for a Spitfire PR XI , flown during dive tests at the Royal Aircraft Establishment , Farnborough in April 1944 . The Spitfire , a photo - reconnaissance variant , the Mark XI , fitted with an extended ' rake type ' multiple pitot system , was flown by Squadron Leader J.R. Tobin to this speed , corresponding to a corrected true airspeed ( TAS ) of 606 mph . In a subsequent flight , Squadron Leader Anthony Martindale achieved Mach 0.92 , but it ended in a forced landing after over - revving damaged the engine . </P>
<P> One of the highest recorded instrumented Mach numbers attained for a propeller aircraft is the Mach 0.891 for a Spitfire PR XI , flown during dive tests at the Royal Aircraft Establishment , Farnborough in April 1944 . The Spitfire , a photo - reconnaissance variant , the Mark XI , fitted with an extended ' rake type ' multiple pitot system , was flown by Squadron Leader J.R. Tobin to this speed , corresponding to a corrected true airspeed ( TAS ) of 606 mph . In a subsequent flight , Squadron Leader Anthony Martindale achieved Mach 0.92 , but it ended in a forced landing after over - revving damaged the engine . </P>
when did the first plane break the sound barrier
when did the first plane break the sound barrier
April 1944
April 1944