Image Gallery: Celebrating the X-15 altitude record

Sept. 20, 2013
A little over 50 years ago, NASA’s X-15 rocket-powered aircraft flew to over 354, 000 ft., an altitude record that stood for over 40 years. The X-15s flew for the first time in June 1959 and made 199 flights in its 10-year history. NASA had three X-15s built as part of its hypersonic research program.

A little over 50 years ago, NASA’s X-15 rocket-powered aircraft flew to over 354,000 ft., an altitude record that stood for over 40 years. The X-15s flew for the first time in June 1959 and made 199 flights in their 10-year history. NASA had three X-15s built as part of its hypersonic research program. The program let developers and researchers analyze flight controls, airframes, and other subsystems designed for high-speed, high-altitude flight. Scientists also gathered data on the physiological effects on pilots in supersonic aircraft.

North American Aviation (Chicago, Ill.) manufactured the X-15’s airframe, and Reaction Motors Inc. designed and assembled the engines. Two engine models were used. The XLR11 engine powered the first 24 flights with 6,000 lb. of thrust. They were then replaced by the XLR99, which could crank out 57,000 lb. of thrust. The XLR11 was the first liquid-fueled rocket engine with four combustion chambers that could be powered on or off individually.  And the XLR99 could be shut down and restarted in-flight.

Photography courtesy of NASA

Sponsored Recommendations

Altech's Liquid Tight Strain Relifs Catalog

March 13, 2024
With experienced Product Engineers and Customer Service personnel, Altech provides solutions to your most pressing application challenges. All with one thought in mind - to ensure...

Industrial Straight-Through Cable Gland

March 13, 2024
Learn more about Altech's cable glands and all they have to offer for your needs!

Smooth Sorting with SEW-EURODRIVE!

Feb. 22, 2024
Sorting systems are essential when it comes to warehouse automation, material handling, and distribution. SEW-EURODRIVE’s automated sorting solutions increase capacity, reliability...

Setting the Agricultural Industry in Motion

Feb. 22, 2024
Agricultural products go through specialized processes of harvesting, storing, conveying, cleaning, drying, sorting, and handling to ensure that seasonal products reach the processing...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Machine Design, create an account today!