X-15 aircraft with ablative coating. X-15A-2 aircraft with the ablative coating (pink) that protected it from high temperatures, helping to set severa
X-15 aircraft with ablative coating. X-15A-2 aircraft with the ablative coating (pink) that protected it from high temperatures, helping to set several speed records. The X-15 was a rocket-powered research aircraft designed to investigate flight at hypersonic speeds. Three X-15s flew a total of 199 missions between 1959 and 1968. The X-15 was carried into the air by a converted B-52 bomber and released at high altitude. The pilot then ignited the X-15's rocket motor. It was the first plane to reach the edge of outer space and set records for the fastest manned aircraft (7,274 kilometres per hour, or Mach ). Photographed on 21 June 1967.
Size: 3331px × 2627px
Photo credit: © NASA/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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