iscover
Profile – North American X-15
0 comment
Arguably the most spectacular of all research aircraft was the North American X-15.
The X-15 project was conceived to study the feasibility of manned space flight, and to categorise the potential problems requiring further research. To achieve this, the X-15 had to fly faster and higher than any previous aeroplane. It did this, and remained for many years the fastest aircraft ever built.
After the unbelievable advances in aeronautical research data achieved by the Bell X-1, Douglas D-558-11 Skyrocket, and Bell X-2, a new frontier opened: space. In the five years following the beginning of theX-1 flight test program in 1947, the fastest speed achieved by man had increased from 670mph (1,078kph) to 1,230mph (1,980kph), or Mach 1. 015 to 1. 89. Plans were underway to achieve Mach 2. An intense rivalry developed between the Air Force and the Navy to break this record, the competition for research funding being the root cause. The US Navy were flying the Douglas D-558-11, while Air Force pilots were flying the NACA owned Bell X-1A. NACA (National Advisory Committee of Aeronautics) was the forerunner of NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration). The Navy D-558-11 went through Mach 2 first, achieving Mach 2. 005 in November 1953, only to be trumped by the X-1. A:s Mach 2. 435 some three weeks later!
This content is available exclusively to Australian Aviation members.
A monthly membership is only $5.99 or save with our annual plans.
- Australian Aviation quarterly print & digital magazines
- Access to In Focus reports every month on our website
- Unlimited access to all Australian Aviation digital content
- Access to the Australian Aviation app
- Australian Aviation quarterly print & digital magazines
- Access to In Focus reports every month on our website
- Access to our Behind the Lens photo galleries and other exclusive content
- Daily news updates via our email bulletin
- Unlimited access to all Australian Aviation digital content
- Access to the Australian Aviation app
- Australian Aviation quarterly print & digital magazines
- Access to In Focus reports every month on our website
- Access to our Behind the Lens photo galleries and other exclusive content
- Daily news updates via our email bulletin
