The Douglas D-558-2 Skyrocket was a rocket-powered aircraft developed in the 1940s by the Douglas Aircraft Company. It was designed to test flight characteristics at transonic and supersonic speeds. The Skyrocket featured a unique design with a fuselage that resembled a streamlined bullet and was powered by a combination of jet and rocket engines. The aircraft made its first flight in 1948 and was part of a series of experimental planes that contributed to the understanding of high-speed flight. The D-558-2 played a crucial role in the development of future supersonic aircraft and helped pave the way for advancements in aeronautics.