Sud-Ouest SO.9000 Trident I ‘Y’ -F-ZWRY- (53410559117)

c/n 01 The Trident was an experimental mixed-power interceptor which first flew in 1953. It was powered by a single SEPR liquid-fuelled rocket engine in the fuselage and a pair of 900 pounds-force Turbomeca Marboré turbojets fitted one in each wingtip. The wingtip jets were later replaced with Dassault MD.30 Vipers, which produced 1,654 pounds-force each. During testing over 18 months the Trident I reached Mach 1.8 and an altitude of 65.000ft, but flight testing was ended in April 1956 when it was replaced by the more powerful Trident II. The first prototype Trident I was donated to the National collection in December 1956 and since 1979 it has been on display in the fascinating Prototypes Hall (Hall 7) at the Musée de l'air et de l'espace. Le Bourget Airport, Paris, France.