The X-15 is one of the most successful aircraft of the X-Plane series of experimental aircraft. Designed in the late 1950s to explore high altitudes and high speeds the X-15 flew 199 times and set both altitude and speed records. Eventually the X-15 flew high enough to earn its pilots Astronaut wings. It also set the world’s absolute speed record by flying over six times the speed of sound.
Service History
North American Aviation built the mockup on display at the Pima Air & Space Museum in 1956. It was used as a construction guide for the building of the three X-15s that flew at Edwards Air Force Base. It has been modified to represent the X-15A-2 which added two external fuel tanks to increase the burn time of the aircraft’s rocket engine.
Wingspan
22 ft 4 in.
Length
50 ft
Height
13 ft
Weight
56,130 lbs (loaded)
Maximum Speed
4,520 MPH
Service Ceiling
354,200 ft
Range
275 miles
Engine
One Thiokol XLR99-RM-2 rocket engine with 57,850 pounds of thrust
Crew
1
Manufacturer North American
Markings U.S. Air Force/NASA, Edwards Air Force Base, 1968
Designation X-15A-2
Serial Number “56-6671”
Pima Air & Space Museum
Creating unlimited horizons in aerospace education through the preservation and presentation of the history of flight.