X-15 aircraft on a Boeing B-52 (NB-52), with mission markings. The X-15 is venting (left), with condensation (white rectangle on underside) from the l
X-15 aircraft on a Boeing B-52 (NB-52), with mission markings. The X-15 is venting (left), with condensation (white rectangle on underside) from the liquid oxygen tank. 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 20 September 1960.
Size: 3817px × 2294px
Photo credit: © NASA/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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