Overview
The X-15 was a rocket plane dropped from under the wing of a B-52 to explore flight at hypersonic speeds and the edge of space. In 1967 Pete Knight reached Mach 6.7 (7,274 km/h), still the record for a crewed, powered aircraft, and in 1963 Joe Walker climbed to 108 km.
In 199 flights it tested heat-resistant materials, reaction-control thrusters and pressure suits that later helped the Mercury, Gemini, Apollo and Space Shuttle programmes. Eight of its pilots earned astronaut wings.
Specifications
Dimensions
| Length | 15.45 m |
|---|---|
| Wingspan | 6.80 m |
| Height | 4.12 m |
| Wing area | 18.6 m² |
Weights & fuel
| Empty weight | 6,620 kg |
|---|---|
| Max. take-off weight | 15,420 kg |
Performance
| Max. speed | 7,274 km/h |
|---|---|
| Max. Mach | Mach 6.70 |
| Service ceiling | 107,960 m |
Crew & capacity
| Crew | 1 |
|---|
Powerplant
| Engines | 1 |
|---|---|
| Engine model | Reaction Motors XLR99 rocket |
| Thrust (each) | 262.0 kN |
Figures are compiled from public sources and may be approximate; they can vary by variant and configuration.
Did you know?
Neil Armstrong flew the X-15 seven times before becoming the first person to walk on the Moon.
Photos
Photo 1: United States Air Force / Wikimedia Commons · Public domain
Some text and images come from Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons under CC BY-SA licences.
