X-15

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Q221269




The North American X-15 is a hypersonic rocket-powered aircraft formerly operated by the United States Air Force and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) as part of the X-plane series of experimental aircraft. The X-15 set speed and altitude records in the 1960s, crossing the edge of outer space and returning with valuable data used in aircraft and spacecraft design. The X-15's highest speed, 4,520 miles per hour, was achieved on 3 October 1967, when William J. Knight flew at Mach 6.7 at an altitude of 102,100 feet (31,120 m), or 19.34 miles. This set the official world record for the highest speed ever recorded by a crewed, powered aircraft and remains unbroken.

1959 — 1968  WikimediaWikidata
North American X-15; X15
4 produced, 
experimental aircraft, sub-orbital spaceplaneNational Aeronautics and Space Administration, United States Air Force, North American Aviation, United States
Persia1950sRepublic of Haiti1959sub-orbital spaceplaneDong Fang Hong 2TarshishSikh ConfederacyRemanNASAKingdom of WolaitaKingdom of Martabam-hongsawatoiHavilahChinlandCalvinist Republic of GhentAshkenazRetro Space HDUnited States


Location: KML, Cluster Map, Maps,

    North American X-15A-2 USAF (071107-F-1234S-011)North American X-15A-2 USAF (071107-F-1234S-011)
    The X-15 pilots clown around in front of the #2 aircraft. From left to right: Joseph Engle, Robert Rushworth, John McKay, William Knight, Milton Thompson, and William Dana.The X-15 pilots clown around in front of the #2 aircraft. From left to right: Joseph Engle, Robert Rushworth, John McKay, William Knight, Milton Thompson, and William Dana.
    North American X-15A-2 with external fuel tanks (150806-F-IO108-005)North American X-15A-2 with external fuel tanks (150806-F-IO108-005)
    X-15 contrail after launchX-15 contrail after launch
    The X-15 pilots clown around in front of the #2 aircraft. From left to right: Joseph Engle, Robert Rushworth, John McKay, William Knight, Milton Thompson, and William Dana.The X-15 pilots clown around in front of the #2 aircraft. From left to right: Joseph Engle, Robert Rushworth, John McKay, William Knight, Milton Thompson, and William Dana.
    North American X-15 at the Smithsonian Institution National Air and Space MuseumNorth American X-15 at the Smithsonian Institution National Air and Space Museum
    Robert Michael White in North American X-15Robert Michael White in North American X-15
    North American X-15 at the Smithsonian Institution National Air and Space MuseumNorth American X-15 at the Smithsonian Institution National Air and Space Museum
    North American X-15 at the Smithsonian Institution National Air and Space MuseumNorth American X-15 at the Smithsonian Institution National Air and Space Museum
    X-15 at Air and Space Museum in 1983X-15 at Air and Space Museum in 1983