X-15 #2 just after launch. Public domain image of NASA aircraft.
Description: The X-15 #2 (56-6671) launches away from the B-52 mothership with its rocket engine ignited. The white patches near the middle of the ship are frost from the liquid oxygen used in the propulsion sy... More
X-15 Mated to B-52 Captive Flight
One of three X-15 rocket-powered research aircraft being carried aloft under the wing of its B-52 mothership. The X-15 was air launched from the B-52 so the rocket plane would have enough fuel to reach its high... More
X-4 in Flight, NASA history collection
The NACA High-Speed Flight Research Station X-4 research aircraft is seen in this 1950s in-flight close-up photograph. The two large "X"s seen connected by a line painted on the aircraft were used as an aid in ... More
NASA X-15, Dryden history gallery
EC93-41012-6 NASA research pilot Milt Thompson is seen here with the mock-up of X-15 #3 that was later installed at the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards, California. Milton 0. Thompson was a research... More
NASA X-15, Dryden history gallery
EC93-41012-5 NASA research pilot Milt Thompson stands next to a mock-up of X-15 number 3 that was later installed at the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards, California. Milton 0. Thompson was a researc... More
Dryden B-52 Launch Aircraft on Dryden Ramp
NASA's venerable B-52 mothership sits on the ramp in front of the Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards, California. Over the course of more than 40 years, the B-52 launched numerous experimental aircraft, ran... More
X-1B on Lakebed, NASA history collection
One of three second generation X-1 aircraft built by Bell Aircraft Corporation is seen here parked on Rogers Dry Lake. The Bell X-1B, along with its sister ship's, the X-1A and X-1D, had better propulsion syste... More
X-15 landing on lakebed. Public domain image of NASA aircraft.
The North American X-15 settles to the lakebed after a research flight from what is now the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards, California. The X-15 was a rocket-powered aircraft 50 ft long with a wing... More
X-38 - First Flight, NASA history collection
Reminiscent of the lifting body research flights conducted more than 30 years earlier, NASA's B-52 mothership lifts off carrying a new generation of lifting body research vehicle--the X-38. The X-38 was designe... More
X-15 Studies at Langley, 1958. Public domain image of NASA aircraft.
Attitude control simulator for X-15 studies at Langley, 1958. Photograph published in Engineer in Charge: A History of the Langley Aeronautical Laboratory, 1917-1958 by James R. Hansen (page 367). NASA Identifi... More
X-15 AIRCRAFT MATED TO LAUNCH PLANE - FRONT VIEW
X-15 AIRCRAFT MATED TO LAUNCH PLANE - FRONT VIEW NASA Identifier: C-1959-49859
X-15 2 on lakebed after engine failure forced pilot Jack McKay to make...
On 9 November 1962, an engine failure forced Jack McKay, a NASA research pilot, to make an emergency landing at Mud Lake, Nevada, in the second X-15 (56-6671); its landing gear collapsed and the X-15 flipped ov... More
X-4 in Flight, NASA history collection
The NACA High-Speed Flight Research Station X-4 research aircraft is seen in this 1950s in-flight photograph. The X-4 Bantam, a single-place, low swept-wing, semi-tailless aircraft, was designed and built by No... More
X-15 2 on lakebed after a hard landing by pilot Scott Crossfield
A series of ground and in-flight accidents occurred during the X-15's contractor program, fortunately without injuries or even greatly delaying the program. On 5 November 1959 a small engine fire -- always extr... More
X-15 launch from B-52 mothership
This photo illustrates how the X-15 rocket-powered aircraft was taken aloft under the wing of a B-52. Because of the large fuel consumption, the X-15 was air launched from a B-52 aircraft at 45,000 ft and a spe... More
X-15 IN FLIGHT CHECKOUT ON B-52 AIRPLANE
X-15 IN FLIGHT CHECKOUT ON B-52 AIRPLANE NASA Identifier: C-1959-50188
EDWARDS HIGH SPEED FLIGHT CENTER - X-15 AIRPLANE
EDWARDS HIGH SPEED FLIGHT CENTER - X-15 AIRPLANE NASA Identifier: C-1959-51803
X-15 launch from B-52 mothership
This photo illustrates how the X-15 rocket-powered aircraft was taken aloft under the wing of a B-52. Because of the large fuel consumption, the X-15 was air launched from a B-52 aircraft at 45,000 ft and a spe... More
X-4 in Flight, NASA history collection
The NACA High-Speed Flight Research Station X-4 research aircraft is seen in this 1950s in-flight photograph flying near an approaching cloud bank. The two large "X"s seen connected by a line painted on the air... More
X-15 landing on lakebed. Public domain image of NASA aircraft.
The North American X-15 settles to the lakebed after a research flight from what is now the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards, California. The X-15 was a rocket-powered aircraft 50 ft long with a wing... More
X-4 in Flight, NASA history collection
The NACA High-Speed Flight Research Station X-4 research aircraft is seen in this 1950s in-flight close-up photograph. The two large "X"s seen connected by a line painted on the aircraft were used as an aid in ... More
X-1B on Lakebed, NASA history collection
The Bell Aircraft Corporation X-1B rocket-powered research aircraft, one of the growth versions of the original X-1 series, is shown in this 1957 photo on the bed of Rogers Dry Lake adjacent to the NACA High-Sp... More
Pegasus Mated to B-52 Mothership - Front View
NASA's B-52 launch aircraft takes off with the second Pegasus vehicle under its wing from the Dryden Flight Research Facility (now the Dryden Flight Research Center), Edwards, California. NASA B-52, Tail Number... More
X-15 #1 rollout on ramp. Public domain image of NASA aircraft.
This photo shows the X-15-1 (56-6670) rocket powered research aircraft as it was rolled out in 1958. At this time, the XLR-99 rocket engine was not ready, so to make the low-speed flights (below Mach 3), the X-... More
X-15 2 on lakebed after a hard landing by pilot Scott Crossfield
A series of ground and in-flight accidents occurred during the X-15's contractor program, fortunately without injuries or even greatly delaying the program. On 5 November 1959 a small engine fire -- always extr... More
X-4 in Flight, NASA history collection
The NACA High-Speed Flight Research Station X-4 research aircraft is seen in this 1950s in-flight photograph flying near an approaching cloud bank. The two large "X"s seen connected by a line painted on the air... More
X-1B on Lakebed, NASA history collection
The Bell Aircraft Corporation X-1B, seen here on the lakebed at Edwards Air Force Base, California, was first flown for 10 flights in a three-month period by eight Edwards Air Force pilots. After being turned o... More
B-52 with X-15, US Air Force Photo
NARA RG342-B..17 July 62, White's record flight Public domain photograph of jet aircraft, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
X-4, NASA history collection. Public domain image of NASA aircraft.
In this 1950 straight-on view of the NACA High-Speed Flight Research Station's X-4 research aircraft, the horizontal tailless design is quite evident. The X-4 Bantam, a single-place, low swept-wing, semi-taille... More
NACA Aircraft on Lakebed - D-558-2, X-1B, and X-1E
Early NACA research aircraft on the lakebed at the High Speed Research Station in 1955: Left to right: X-1E, D-558-2, X-1B There were four versions of the original Bell X-1 rocket-powered research aircraft that... More
X-4, NASA history collection. Public domain image of NASA aircraft.
In this 1950 straight-on view of the NACA High-Speed Flight Research Station's X-4 research aircraft, the horizontal tailless design is quite evident. The X-4 Bantam, a single-place, low swept-wing, semi-taille... More
NACA Aircraft on Lakebed - D-558-2, X-1B, and X-1E
Early NACA research aircraft on the lakebed at the High Speed Research Station in 1955: Left to right: X-1E, D-558-2, X-1B There were four versions of the original Bell X-1 rocket-powered research aircraft that... More
NASA X-15 EXPERIMENTAL AIRPLANE - Glenn Research Center History
X-15 EXPERIMENTAL AIRPLANE NASA Identifier: C-1958-48979 Public domain photograph of NASA experimental aircraft, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
NASA X-15 EXPERIMENTAL AIRPLANE - Glenn Research Center History
X-15 EXPERIMENTAL AIRPLANE NASA Identifier: C-1958-48984 Public domain photograph of NASA experimental aircraft, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
North American X-15 Model. NASA public domain image colelction.
A one-twentieth scale model of the X-15, originally suspended beneath the wing of a B-52, is observed by a scientist as it leaves the bomber model in tests to determine the release characteristics and drop moti... More
X-15 Studies at Langley, 1958. Public domain image of NASA aircraft.
(January 18, 1958) Attitude control simulator for X-15 studies at Langley, 1958. ..Image # : L-1958-00114
NASA X-15 EXPERIMENTAL AIRPLANE - Glenn Research Center History
X-15 EXPERIMENTAL AIRPLANE NASA Identifier: C-1958-48981 Public domain photograph of NASA experimental aircraft, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
X-1B on Lakebed, NASA history collection
The Bell Aircraft Corporation X-1B, seen here on the lakebed at Edwards Air Force Base, California, was first flown for 10 flights in a three-month period by eight Edwards Air Force pilots. After being turned o... More
X-1A in flight with flight data superimposed
This photo of the X-1A includes graphs of the flight data from Maj. Charles E. Yeager's Mach 2.44 flight on December 12, 1953. (This was only a few days short of the 50th anniversary of the Wright brothers' fir... More
X-1B on Lakebed, NASA history collection
The Bell Aircraft Corporation X-1B rocket-powered research aircraft, one of the growth versions of the original X-1 series, is shown in this 1957 photo on the bed of Rogers Dry Lake adjacent to the NACA High-Sp... More
NASA X-15 EXPERIMENTAL AIRPLANE - Glenn Research Center History
X-15 EXPERIMENTAL AIRPLANE NASA Identifier: C-1958-48985 Public domain photograph of NASA experimental aircraft, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
Pilot Neil Armstrong and X-15 1
(November 30, 1959) Dryden pilot Neil Armstrong is seen here next to the X-15 ship 1 (56-6670) after a research flight. The X-15 was a rocket-powered aircraft 50 feet long with a wingspan of 22 feet. It was a m... More
X-1B on Lakebed, NASA history collection
One of three second generation X-1 aircraft built by Bell Aircraft Corporation is seen here parked on Rogers Dry Lake. The Bell X-1B, along with its sister ship's, the X-1A and X-1D, had better propulsion syste... More
X-15 Mated to B-52 Captive Flight
(1959) One of three X-15 rocket-powered research aircraft being carried aloft under the wing of its B-52 mothership. The X-15 was air launched from the B-52 so the rocket plane would have enough fuel to reach i... More
X-15 AIRPLANE IN FLIGHT UNDER OWN POWER
X-15 AIRPLANE IN FLIGHT UNDER OWN POWER NASA Identifier: C-1960-53040
X-15A-2 and HL-10 Parked on NASA Ramp
E-14970 The HL-10 was one of five heavyweight lifting-body designs flown at NASA's Flight Research Center (FRC--later Dryden Flight Research Center), Edwards, California, from July 1966 to November 1975 to stud... More
X-15 ship 1 on lakebed from back
The X-15 (56-6670), seen here on the lakebed at Edwards Air Force Base, Edwards, California, was still equipped with two XLR-11 engines pending installation of the XLR-99 engine, which first flew on November 15... More
NASA X-15, Dryden history gallery
EC88-0180-2 This photo shows the X-15A-2 56-6671 on a research flight with a dummy ramjet engine attached to the bottom of its wedge-shaped vertical tail. One of the experiments planned for the X-15A-2 involved... More
B-52 Launch Aircraft in Flight. Public domain image of NASA aircraft.
NASA's venerable B-52 mothership is seen here photographed from a KC-135 Tanker aircraft. The X-43 adapter is visible attached to the right wing. The B-52, used for launching experimental aircraft and for other... More
X-15 #3 in flight (USAF Photo). Public domain image of NASA aircraft.
This U.S. Air Force photo shows the X-15 ship #3 (56-6672) in flight over the desert in the 1960s. Ship #3 made 65 flights during the program, attaining a top speed of Mach 5.65 and a maximum altitude of 354,20... More
NASA NB-52B, Dryden history gallery
Two Boeing B-52 Stratofortress bombers were modified as motherships to launch the X-15 rocket planes. On each aircraft, the bombardier's station was replaced with a console for a launch panel operator; a slot w... More
NASA X-15, Dryden history gallery
EC88-0180-1The X-15 #2 56-6671 launches away from the B-52 mothership with its rocket engine ignited. The white patches near the middle of the ship are frost from the liquid oxygen used in the propulsion system... More
M2-F3 on lakebed, NASA history collection
The M2-F3 Lifting Body is seen here on the lakebed next to the NASA Flight Research Center (later the Dryden Flight Research Center), Edwards, California. Redesigned and rebuilt from the M2-F2, the M2-F3 featur... More
Pilot Neil Armstrong with X-15 #1
(1960) NASA test pilot Neil Armstrong is seen here next to the X-15 ship #1 (56-6670) after a research flight. The X-15 was a rocket-powered aircraft 50 feet long with a wingspan of 22 feet. It was a missile- s... More
NASA X-15, Dryden history gallery
E-USAF-X-15-2The X-15-3 56-6672 research aircraft is secured by ground crew after landing on Rogers Dry Lakebed. The work of the X-15 team did not end with the landing of the aircraft. Once it had stopped on th... More
X-15 ship 1 on lakebed from back
The X-15 (56-6670), seen here on the lakebed at Edwards Air Force Base, Edwards, California, was still equipped with two XLR-11 engines pending installation of the XLR-99 engine, which first flew on November 15... More
F-104 in flight, NASA history collection
F-104G (N826NA) in flight over the Mojave Desert in January 1988. This aircraft was the last of eleven F-104s delivered to the Dryden Flight Research Center over a period of four decades. The initial group of f... More
NASA Fleet Aircraft, Dryden history gallery
E-14970Both the HL-10 and X-15A2, shown here parked beside one another on the NASA ramp in 1966, underwent modifications. The X-15 No. 2 had been damaged in a crash landing in November 1962. Subsequently, the f... More
X-15 2 on lakebed after engine failure forced pilot Jack McKay to make...
On 9 November 1962, an engine failure forced Jack McKay, a NASA research pilot, to make an emergency landing at Mud Lake, Nevada, in the second X-15 (56-6671); its landing gear collapsed and the X-15 flipped ov... More
X-15 #3 in flight (USAF Photo). Public domain image of NASA aircraft.
This U.S. Air Force photo shows the X-15 ship #3 (56-6672) in flight over the desert in the 1960s. Ship #3 made 65 flights during the program, attaining a top speed of Mach 5.65 and a maximum altitude of 354,20... More
M2-F3 on lakebed, NASA history collection
The M2-F3 Lifting Body is seen here on the lakebed next to the NASA Flight Research Center (later the Dryden Flight Research Center), Edwards, California. Redesigned and rebuilt from the M2-F2, the M2-F3 featur... More
X-15 #1 rollout on ramp. Public domain image of NASA aircraft.
This photo shows the X-15-1 (56-6670) rocket powered research aircraft as it was rolled out in 1958. At this time, the XLR-99 rocket engine was not ready, so to make the low-speed flights (below Mach 3), the X-... More
NASA X-15, Dryden history gallery
E-USAF-X-15 On 15 November 1967, Ship #3 was launched over Delamar Lake, Nevada with Maj. Michael J. Adams at the controls. The vehicle soon reached a speed of Mach 5.2, and a peak altitude of 266,000 feet. Dur... More
NASA X-15, Dryden history gallery
EC05-0177-33Four of the five surviving X-15 pilots were on hand when astronaut wings were presented to the three NASA pilots who flew the X-15 rocket plane into space in the 1960s, Bill Dana, Joe Walker decease... More
B-52 Launch Aircraft in Flight. Public domain image of NASA aircraft.
NASA's venerable B-52 mothership is seen here photographed from a KC-135 Tanker aircraft. The X-43 adapter is visible attached to the right wing. The B-52, used for launching experimental aircraft and for other... More
Pilot Neil Armstrong in the X-15 #1 cockpit
Description (1961) NASA pilot Neil Armstrong is seen here in the cockpit of the X-15 ship #1 (56-6670) after a research flight. ..A U.S. Navy pilot in the Korean War who flew 78 combat missions in F9F-2 jet fig... More
Joe Walker beside an X-15 Airplane
(March 29, 1961) NASA test pilot Joe Walker beside an X-15 airplane, following 169,000-foot altitude flight on March 30, 1961. The X-15 flew 199 times from 1959 to 1968 and was an extremely successful aeronauti... More
X-15 on Lakebed with B-52 Mothership Flyover
(September 1, 1961) As crew members secure the X-15 rocket-powered aircraft after a research flight, the B-52 mothership used for launching this unique aircraft does a low fly-by overhead. The X-15s made a tota... More
Test pilots 1962 - Armstrong, Walker, Dana, Peterson, McKay, Thompson,...
The research pilots at what in 1962 was called the Flight Research Center standing in front of the X-1E. They are (left to right) Neil Armstrong, Joe Walker, Bill Dana, Bruce Peterson, Jack McKay, Milt Thompson... More
C-47 in Flight, NASA history collection
NASA Flight Research Center's Douglas R4D-5/C-47H (Bu. No. 17136) in flight, with its landing gear extended, in 1963. The R4D Skytrain was one of the early workhorses for NACA and NASA at Edwards Air Force Base... More
Test pilots 1962 - Armstrong, Walker, Dana, Peterson, McKay, Thompson,...
The research pilots at what in 1962 was called the Flight Research Center standing in front of the X-1E. They are (left to right) Neil Armstrong, Joe Walker, Bill Dana, Bruce Peterson, Jack McKay, Milt Thompson... More
X-15 Model in Supersonic Tunnel
(March 22, 1962) Shock waves festoon a small scale model of the X-15 in Langley's 4 x 4 Supersonic Pressure Tunnel...Image # : L-1962-02577
X-15 Crash at Mud Lake, Nevada. Experimental NASA aircraft photograph.
(November 9, 1962) An engine failure forced Jack McKay, a NASA research pilot, to make an emergency landing at Mud Lake, Nevada, in the second X-15. The aircraft's landing gear collapsed and the X-15 flipped ov... More
F-104 in flight, NASA history collection
F-104G (N826NA) in flight over the Mojave Desert in January 1988. This aircraft was the last of eleven F-104s delivered to the Dryden Flight Research Center over a period of four decades. The initial group of f... More
C-47 in Flight, NASA history collection
NASA Flight Research Center's Douglas R4D-5/C-47H (Bu. No. 17136) in flight, with its landing gear extended, in 1963. The R4D Skytrain was one of the early workhorses for NACA and NASA at Edwards Air Force Base... More
X-15 Mounted to B-52 Mothership Pylon in Flight
(1965) This photo illustrates how the X-15 rocket powered aircraft was taken aloft under the wing of a B-52. Because of the large fuel consumption, the X-15 was air launched from a B-52 aircraft at 45,000 ft an... More
Photographs of X-15 Pilot Captain Joe H. Engle, USAF, and a X-15 Aircr...
Original caption: Edwards, California - X-15 pilot Capt. Joe H. Engle, USAF, is posed with the rocket-powered x-15 aircraft. Engle is one of six pilots currently assigned to the joint NASA-Air Force research p... More
X-15 contrail after launch. Experimental NASA aircraft photograph.
Description: The X-15 rocket-powered aircraft begins its climb after launch at the NASA Flight Research Center, Edwards, California (later renamed the Dryden Flight Research Center). The X-15 was a rocket power... More
Three Lifting Bodies on Lakebed
The wingless, lifting body aircraft sitting on Rogers Dry Lake at what is now NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards, California, from left to right are the X-24A, M2-F3 and the HL-10.The lifting body ai... More
NASA X-15 Pilots, Dryden flight research center
(1966) The X-15 flight crew, left to right: Air Force Captain Joseph H. Engle, Air Force Major Robert A. Rushworth, NASA pilot John B. "Jack" McKay, Air Force Major William J. "Pete" Knight, NASA pilot Milton O... More
Three Lifting Bodies on Lakebed
The wingless, lifting body aircraft sitting on Rogers Dry Lake at what is now NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards, California, from left to right are the X-24A, M2-F3 and the HL-10.The lifting body ai... More
X-15 pilots clown around. Experimental NASA aircraft photograph.
Photo Description: (1966) The X-15 pilots clown around in front of the #2 aircraft. From left to right: USAF Capt. Joseph Engle, USAF Maj. Robert Rushworth, NASA test pilot John "Jack" McKay, USAF Maj. William ... More
Three Lifting Bodies on Lakebed (X-24A, M2-F3, HL-10)
The X-24A shape was later borrowed for the X-38 Crew Return Vehicle (CRV) technology demonstrator for the International Space Station. The X-24B is on public display at the Air Force Museum, Wright-Patterson AF... More
NASA Fleet Aircraft, Dryden history gallery
E-17242 The X-15A-2 with drop tanks and ablative coating is shown parked on the NASA ramp in front of the XB-70. These aircraft represent two different approaches to flight research. The X-15 was a research air... More
M2-F3 on lakebed, NASA history collection
The M2-F3 Lifting Body is seen here on the lakebed at the NASA Flight Research Center (FRC--later the Dryden Flight Research Center), Edwards, California. After a three-year-long redesign and rebuilding effort,... More
X-15 ship 1 on lakebed. Public domain image of NASA aircraft.
The X-15 aircraft, ship #1 (56-6670), sits on the lakebed early in its illustrious career of high speed flight research. The X-15 was a rocket-powered aircraft 50 ft long with a wingspan of 22 ft. It was a miss... More
Pilot Neil Armstrong with X-15 #1
Dryden pilot Neil Armstrong is seen here next to the X-15 ship #1 (56-6670) after a research flight. Armstrong made his first X-15 flight on November 30, 1960, in the #1 X-15. He made his second flight on Decem... More
NASA X-15, Dryden history gallery
EC97-43891-2 The full scale mock-up of X-15 #3 was installed September 1995 at the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards, California. The original X-15 #3, serial number 56-6672, was destroyed on 15 Novem... More
X-15A-2 with full scale ablative coating (pink X-15) on NASA ramp
In June 1967, the X-15A-2 rocket powered research aircraft received a full-scale ablative coating to protect the craft from the high temperatures associated with supersonic flight. This pink eraser-like substan... More
M2-F3 on lakebed, NASA history collection
The M2-F3 Lifting Body is seen here on the lakebed next to the NASA Flight Research Center (FRC--laterDryden Flight Research Center), Edwards, California. The May 1967 crash of the M2-F2 had torn off the left f... More
X-15A-2 with ablative coating and sealant (white X-15) in front of Bui...
After receiving afull-scale ablative coating [ http://www.dfrc.nasa.gov/gallery/photo/X-15/HTML/ECN-1736.html ]to protect the craft from the high temperatures associated with supersonic flight, the X-15A-2 rock... More
Dryden Research Aircraft Fleet on Ramp - 1993, X-15, F-18, SR-71, X-31...
A group photo of research aircraft at NASA's Ames/Dryden Flight Research Facility in 1993 (redesignated the Dryden Flight Research Center in 1994). Left to right: mock-up of X-15, F-18B, SR-71A, X-31, and X-29.... More
X-15 test pilots - Thompson, Dana, and McKay
NASA pilots Milton O. Thompson, William H. "Bill" Dana, and John B. "Jack" McKay are seen here in front of the #2 X-15 (56-6671) rocket-powered research aircraft. Among them, the three NASA research pilots made... More
X-15 and XB-70 parked on NASA ramp
The X-15A-2 with drop tanks and ablative coating is shown parked on the NASA ramp in front of the XB-70. These aircraft represent two different approaches to flight research. The X-15 was a research airplane in... More
NASA X-29, Dryden history gallery
EC93-41012-3 A group photo of research aircraft at NASA's Ames/Dryden Flight Research Facility in 1993 redesignated the Dryden Flight Research Center in 1994. Left to right: mock-up of X-15, F-18B, SR-71A, X-31... More
X-15A-2 with test pilot Pete Knight
Air Force pilot William J. "Pete" Knight is seen here in front of the X-15A-2 aircraft (56-6671). Pete Knight made 16 flights in the X-15, and set the world unofficial speed record for fixed wing aircraft, 4,52... More
Dryden Research Aircraft Fleet on Ramp - 1993, X-15, F-18, SR-71, X-31...
A group photo of research aircraft at NASA's Ames/Dryden Flight Research Facility in 1993 (redesignated the Dryden Flight Research Center in 1994). Left to right: mock-up of X-15, F-18B, SR-71A, X-31, and X-29.... More
X-15 with test pilot Capt. Joe Engle
Captain Joe Engle is seen here next to the X-15-2 (56-6671) rocket-powered research aircraft after a flight. Engle made 16 flights in the X-15 between October 7, 1963, and October 14, 1965. Three of the flights... More
X-15 with test pilot Capt. Joe Engle
Captain Joe Engle is seen here next to the X-15-2 (56-6671) rocket-powered research aircraft after a flight. Engle made 16 flights in the X-15 between October 7, 1963, and October 14, 1965. Three of the flights... More
X-15 ship 3 on lakebed. Public domain image of NASA aircraft.
The X-15 ship #3 (56-6672) is seen here on the lakebed at the Edwards Air Force Base, Edwards, California. Ship #3 made 65 flights during the program, attaining a top speed of Mach 5.65 and a maximum altitude o... More