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North American X-15


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The X-15 was designed to explore high-speed and high-altitude flight.  This aircraft flew as fast as 4,500 mph (7300 kph) and as high as 67 miles (108 km). 

The X-15 was carried aloft by a B-52 and released.  A rocket engine boosted the aircraft up to a record 354,200 ft.  The pilot then flew the X-15 without power to a gliding landing. 

First flown in 1959, three X-15s flew 199 test flights through 1968.

 
 Specifications
 
Type: Experimental
Engines: one 57,000 lb thrust (250 kN) Reaction Motors XLR99-RM-2 rocket engine
 
 Related Pages
 
More about North American Aviation
 
 Merchandise
 

Book:
Hypersonic: The Story of the North American X-15
Jenkins & Landis

Print:
First Re-Entry
Machat
 

page updated 02 November 2008

 

 

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© Kenneth W Shanaberger 2000 - 2010