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X-15 on lakebed
Credit - NASA
Air-launched rocketplane. Family:
Air-Launched. Country: USA. Status: Retired 1968.

Manufacturer: North American. Launches: 339. Failures: 164. Success Rate: 51.62%. First Launch Date: 1959-03-10. Last Launch Date: 1968-12-12. Launch data is: complete.

  • Stage0: 1 x NB-52. Gross Mass: 177,273 kg (390,820 lb). Empty Mass: 70,545 kg (155,525 lb). Motor: 8 x J57-19. Thrust (vac): 430.472 kN (96,774 lbf). Isp: 5,142 sec. Burn time: 48,000 sec. Length: 47.74 m (156.62 ft). Diameter: 14.72 m (48.29 ft). Propellants: Air/Kerosene.
  • Stage1: 1 x X-15A. Gross Mass: 14,184 kg (31,270 lb). Empty Mass: 5,158 kg (11,371 lb). Motor: 1 x XLR99. Thrust (vac): 262.445 kN (59,000 lbf). Isp: 276 sec. Burn time: 90 sec. Length: 15.32 m (50.26 ft). Diameter: 1.42 m (4.65 ft). Propellants: Lox/Ammonia.
Version:

X-15A.

Manned hypersonic research rocket aircraft.

Launches: 293. Failures: 141. Apogee: 107 km (66 mi). Liftoff Thrust: 227.260 kN (51,090 lbf). Total Mass: 14,184 kg (31,270 lb). Core Diameter: 1.42 m (4.65 ft). Total Length: 15.32 m (50.26 ft).

  • Stage0: 1 x NB-52. Gross Mass: 177,273 kg (390,820 lb). Empty Mass: 70,545 kg (155,525 lb). Motor: 8 x J57-19. Thrust (vac): 430.472 kN (96,774 lbf). Isp: 5,142 sec. Burn time: 48,000 sec. Length: 47.74 m (156.62 ft). Diameter: 14.72 m (48.29 ft). Propellants: Air/Kerosene.
  • Stage2: 1 x X-15A. Gross Mass: 14,184 kg (31,270 lb). Empty Mass: 5,158 kg (11,371 lb). Motor: 1 x XLR99. Thrust (vac): 262.445 kN (59,000 lbf). Isp: 276 sec. Burn time: 90 sec. Length: 15.32 m (50.26 ft). Diameter: 1.42 m (4.65 ft). Propellants: Lox/Ammonia.
Version:

X-15A-2.
X-15A-2
Credit - NASA

Manned hypersonic research rocket aircraft. Stretched rebuild of crashed X-15A, with drop tanks. Reached Mach 6.7 and 108 km altitude.

Launches: 46. Failures: 23. Apogee: 75 km (46 mi). Liftoff Thrust: 227.260 kN (51,090 lbf). Total Mass: 23,095 kg (50,915 lb). Core Diameter: 1.42 m (4.65 ft). Total Length: 15.47 m (50.75 ft).

  • Stage0: 1 x NB-52. Gross Mass: 177,273 kg (390,820 lb). Empty Mass: 70,545 kg (155,525 lb). Motor: 8 x J57-19. Thrust (vac): 430.472 kN (96,774 lbf). Isp: 5,142 sec. Burn time: 48,000 sec. Length: 47.74 m (156.62 ft). Diameter: 14.72 m (48.29 ft). Propellants: Air/Kerosene.
  • Stage1: 2 x X-15A-2 Tanks. Gross Mass: 7,026 kg (15,489 lb). Empty Mass: 902 kg (1,988 lb). Motor: 0 x None. Thrust (vac): 0 N ( lbf). Isp: 276 sec. Burn time: 55 sec. Length: 6.86 m (22.50 ft). Diameter: 0.98 m (3.21 ft). Propellants: Lox/Ammonia.
  • Stage2: 1 x X-15A-2. Gross Mass: 16,069 kg (35,426 lb). Empty Mass: 7,766 kg (17,121 lb). Motor: 1 x XLR99. Thrust (vac): 262.445 kN (59,000 lbf). Isp: 276 sec. Burn time: 90 sec. Length: 15.47 m (50.75 ft). Diameter: 1.42 m (4.65 ft). Propellants: Lox/Ammonia.

X-15 Chronology

1954 July 9 - X-15 project begun. Spacecraft: X-15A. NACA met with USAF and Navy BuAer representatives to propose the X-15 as an extension of the cooperative rocket research aircraft program. The NACA proposal was accepted as a joint effort and a memorandum of understanding was signed on December 23 naming NACA as technical director of the project, with advice from a joint Research Airplane Committee.

1957 April 23 - X-15 first public details announced. Spacecraft: X-15A. Details of X-15 rocket research airplane were publicly revealed for the first time.

1958 October 15 - X-15 rollout. Spacecraft: X-15A. First of a series of three X-15 experimental rocket-powered manned research aircraft was rolled out at the Los Angeles plant of North American Aviation, Inc., in the joint USAF-USN-NASA program.

1959 March 10 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 1-C-1 X-15A test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 11 km (6 mi). X-15 captive flight

1959 April 1 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 1-A-2 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A aborted launch. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 11 km (6 mi).

1959 April 10 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 1-A-3 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A aborted launch. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 11 km (6 mi).

1959 May 21 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 1-A-4 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A aborted launch. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 11 km (6 mi).

1959 June 8 - 16:38 GMT - Rosamund Dry Lake DZ -. X-15 1-1-5 X-15A test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 11 km (6 mi). First flight for X-15 # 1. Planned glide flight. Maximum Speed - 840 kph. Maximum Altitude - 11445 m.

1959 July 24 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 2-C-1 X-15A test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi). X-15 captive flight

1959 September 4 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 2-A-2 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A aborted launch. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1959 September 17 - 16:08 GMT - Rosamund Dry Lake DZ -. X-15 2-1-3 FAILURE: Turbopump failure and fire. X-15A test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 15 km (9 mi). First flight for X-15 # 2. First powered flight. Maximum Speed - 2241 kph. Maximum Altitude - 15954 m. Turbopump case failure resulted in fire in engine compartment.

1959 October 10 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 2-A-4 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A aborted launch. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1959 October 14 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 2-A-5 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A aborted launch. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1959 October 17 - 18:13 GMT - Rosamund Dry Lake DZ -. X-15 2-2-6 FAILURE: Fire in engine bay, gear door failure. X-15A test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 18 km (11 mi). Maximum Speed - 2283 kph. Maximum Altitude - 18831 m. Nose gear door failed on landing.

1959 October 22 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 2-A-7 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A aborted launch. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1959 October 31 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 2-A-8 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A aborted launch. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1959 November 5 - 17:39 GMT - Rosamund Dry Lake DZ -. X-15 2-3-9 FAILURE: Engine fire and explosion, fuselage failure on landing. X-15A test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 13 km (8 mi). Engine fire; fuselage structural failure on landing. Aircraft returned to North American for rebuild. Maximum Speed - 1062 kph. Maximum Altitude - 13857 m.

1959 December 16 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 1-A-6 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A aborted launch. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1960 January 24 - 00:17 GMT - Rosamund Dry Lake DZ -. X-15 1-2-7 X-15A SAS Evaluation test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 20 km (12 mi). Maximum Speed - 2685 kph. Maximum Altitude - 20374 m.

1960 February 4 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 2-A-10 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A aborted launch. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1960 February 11 - 18:15 GMT - Rosamund Dry Lake DZ -. X-15 2-4-11 X-15A test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 26 km (16 mi). Maximum Speed - 2359 kph. Maximum Altitude - 26858 m.

1960 February 17 - 17:41 GMT - Rosamund Dry Lake DZ -. X-15 2-5-12 X-15A SAS Evaluation test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 16 km (9 mi). Maximum Speed - 1667 kph. Maximum Altitude - 16045 m. Automatic shutdown of one chamber in upper XLR-11.

1960 March 17 - 16:31 GMT - Rosamund Dry Lake DZ -. X-15 2-6-13 X-15A SAS Eval/Stability test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 16 km (9 mi). Maximum Speed - 2283 kph. Maximum Altitude - 16045 m. 6G maneuver test.

1960 March 18 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 2-A-14 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A aborted launch. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1960 March 25 - 23:43 GMT - Rosamund Dry Lake DZ -. X-15 1-3-8 X-15A test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi). Maximum Speed - 2124 kph. Maximum Altitude - 14822 m. Roll damper malfunctioned.

1960 March 29 - 17:59 GMT - Rosamund Dry Lake DZ -. X-15 2-7-15 X-15A test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 15 km (9 mi). Maximum Speed - 2080 kph. Maximum Altitude - 15235 m.

1960 March 31 - 16:42 GMT - Rosamund Dry Lake DZ -. X-15 2-8-16 X-15A SAS Gains test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 15 km (9 mi). Maximum Speed - 2156 kph. Maximum Altitude - 15653 m. 3.5 to 5G pullouts to simulate reentry.

1960 April 13 - 17:15 GMT - Rosamund Dry Lake DZ -. X-15 1-4-9 X-15A test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi). Maximum Speed - 2018 kph. Maximum Altitude - 14630 m.

1960 April 19 - 16:51 GMT - Rosamund Dry Lake DZ -. X-15 1-5-10 X-15A test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 18 km (11 mi). Maximum Speed - 2718 kph. Maximum Altitude - 18134 m.

1960 May 5 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 2-A-17 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A aborted launch. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1960 May 6 - 17:53 GMT - Rosamund Dry Lake DZ -. X-15 1-6-11 FAILURE: Trouble shedding the ventral fin. X-15A test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 18 km (11 mi). Maximum Speed - 2336 kph. Maximum Altitude - 18574 m.

1960 May 12 - 16:47 GMT - Silver Lake DZ -. X-15 1-7-12 X-15A test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 23 km (14 mi). Maximum Speed - 3397 kph. Maximum Altitude - 23738 m.

1960 May 19 - 16:46 GMT - Silver Lake DZ -. X-15 1-8-13 X-15A Alt Buildup test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 33 km (20 mi). Maximum Speed - 2558 kph. Maximum Altitude - 33222 m.

1960 May 26 - 17:08 GMT - Rosamund Dry Lake DZ -. X-15 2-9-18 X-15A SAS, High alpha, BCS test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 15 km (9 mi). Maximum Speed - 2336 kph. Maximum Altitude - 15631 m. First test of reaction control system.

1960 May 27 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 1-A-14 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A aborted launch. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1960 June 3 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 1-A-15 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A aborted launch. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1960 June 8 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 1-A-16 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A aborted launch. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1960 August 4 - 16:59 GMT - Silver Lake DZ -. X-15 1-9-17 X-15A test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 23 km (14 mi). Maximum Speed - 3533 kph. Maximum Altitude - 23809 m. Unofficial world speed record. This topped Captain Apt's speed of 2,094 mph attained in the X-2 on September 27, 1956.

1960 August 11 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 1-A-18 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A aborted launch. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1960 August 12 - 16:48 GMT - Silver Lake DZ -. X-15 1-10-19 X-15A High Alt test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 41 km (25 mi). Maximum Speed - 2851 kph. Maximum Altitude - 41605 m. Established a new altitude record for a manned vehicle of 136,500 feet. This topped Captain Kincheloe's record altitude of 126,200 feet attained on September 7, 1956, in the X-2 rocket research aircraft.

1960 August 18 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 1- A-20 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A aborted launch. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1960 August 19 - 16:34 GMT - Silver Lake DZ -. X-15 1-11-21 X-15A test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 23 km (14 mi). Maximum Speed - 3510 kph. Maximum Altitude - 24343 m.

1960 September 2 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 1- A-22 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A aborted launch. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1960 September 10 - 19:45 GMT - Silver Lake DZ -. X-15 1-12-23 X-15A Stability/Control test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 24 km (14 mi). X-15 Flight 21 (Stability/Control)

1960 September 20 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 1- A-24 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A aborted launch. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1960 September 23 - 17:52 GMT - Palmdale Omni DZ -. X-15 1-13-25 FAILURE: Engines fail. X-15A test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 16 km (9 mi). Maximum Speed - 1783 kph. Maximum Altitude - 16168 m. Premature shutdown of both XLR-11's.

1960 October 11 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 1- A-26 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A aborted launch. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1960 October 13 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 2-A-19 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A aborted launch. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1960 October 20 - 17:30 GMT - Palmdale Omni DZ -. X-15 1-14-27 X-15A Stability/Control test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 16 km (9 mi). Maximum Speed - 2059 kph. Maximum Altitude - 16398 m.

1960 October 28 - 17:43 GMT - Palmdale Omni DZ -. X-15 1-15-28 X-15A Stability/Control test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 15 km (9 mi). Maximum Speed - 2145 kph. Maximum Altitude - 15453 m.

1960 November 4 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 2-A-20 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A aborted launch. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1960 November 4 - 20:43 GMT - Palmdale Omni DZ -. X-15 1-16-29 X-15A Stability/Control test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi). Maximum Speed - 2071 kph. Maximum Altitude - 14905 m.

1960 November 15 - 17:59 GMT - Rosamund Dry Lake DZ -. X-15 2-10-21 X-15A XLR-99 Checkout test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 24 km (14 mi). First flight with XLR-99 engine. Maximum Speed - 3154 kph. Maximum Altitude - 24750 m.

1960 November 17 - 20:43 GMT - Palmdale Omni DZ -. X-15 1-17-30 X-15A test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 16 km (9 mi). Maximum Speed - 2018 kph. Maximum Altitude - 16688 m. Lower XLR-11 shutdown but restarted.

1960 November 22 - 21:25 GMT - Rosamund Dry Lake DZ -. X-15 2-11-22 X-15A XLR-99, BCS test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 18 km (11 mi). First restart with XLR-99 engine. Maximum Speed - 2665 kph. Maximum Altitude - 18867 m.

1960 November 30 - 18:42 GMT - Palmdale Omni DZ -. X-15 1-18-31 X-15A test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi). Maximum Speed - 1858 kph. Maximum Altitude - 14886 m. Only 7 of 8 XLR-11 chambers ignited.

1960 December 6 - 23:29 GMT - Rosamund Dry Lake DZ -. X-15 2-12-23 X-15A XLR-99, BCS test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 16 km (9 mi). Maximum Speed - 3027 kph. Maximum Altitude - 16268 m.

1960 December 9 - 19:52 GMT - Palmdale Omni DZ -. X-15 1-19-32 X-15A Ball nose, Stabil. test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 15 km (9 mi). First hot nose flight. Maximum Speed - 1911 kph. Maximum Altitude - 15269 m.

1960 December 15 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 1- A-33 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A aborted launch. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1961 January 11 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 1- A-34 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A aborted launch. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1961 February 1 - 18:47 GMT - Palmdale Omni DZ -. X-15 1-20-35 X-15A Ball/side controller test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 15 km (9 mi). Maximum Speed - 1949 kph. Maximum Altitude - 15170 m.

1961 February 7 - 20:56 GMT - Silver Lake DZ -. X-15 1-21-36 X-15A Stab./Control test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 23 km (14 mi). Maximum Speed - 3660 kph. Maximum Altitude - 23820 m. Last XLR-11 flight.

1961 February 21 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 2- A-24 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A aborted launch. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1961 February 24 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 2- A-25 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A aborted launch. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1961 March 7 - 18:28 GMT - Silver Lake DZ -. X-15 2-13-26 X-15A Mach 4 flight test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 23 km (14 mi). Maximum Speed - 4674 kph. Maximum Altitude - 23610 m.

1961 March 21 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 2- A-27 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A aborted launch. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1961 March 30 - 18:05 GMT - Hidden Hills DZ -. X-15 2-14-28 X-15A Alt., BCS, Aero test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 51 km (31 mi). Maximum Speed - 4441 kph. Maximum Altitude - 51700 m.

1961 April 21 - 18:05 GMT - Hidden Hills DZ -. X-15 2-15-29 FAILURE: Three hardware problems during flight. X-15A Mach 4, Aero test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 32 km (19 mi). Maximum Speed - 4946 kph. Maximum Altitude - 32000 m.

1961 May 19 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 2- A-30 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A aborted launch. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1961 May 25 - 20:16 GMT - Mud Lake DZ -. X-15 2-16-31 X-15A Mach 5, SAS, Aero test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 32 km (19 mi). Maximum Speed - 5321 kph. Maximum Altitude - 32850 m.

1961 June 19 - X-15 awards. Spacecraft: X-15A. Harmon International Aviator's Trophy for 1961 announced as going to three winners for the first time-X-15 rocket research airplane pilots: A. Scott Crossfield, of North American; Joseph A. Walker, of NASA, and Maj. Robert A. White, U.S. Air Force.

1961 June 20 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 2- A-32 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A aborted launch. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1961 June 23 - 22:00 GMT - Mud Lake DZ -. X-15 2-17-33 X-15A Mach 5, Aerodynamics, Stability test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 32 km (19 mi). Maximum Speed - 5797 kph. Maximum Altitude - 32830 m. Lost cabin pressure.

1961 August 10 - 18:27 GMT - Silver Lake DZ -. X-15 1-22-37 X-15A XLR-99, beta-dot test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 23 km (14 mi). Maximum Speed - 4401 kph. Maximum Altitude - 23830 m. Lost cabin pressure.

1961 September 12 - 22:40 GMT - Mud Lake DZ -. X-15 2-18-34 X-15A Mach 5, Aerodynamics, Stability test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 34 km (21 mi). Maximum Speed - 5821 kph. Maximum Altitude - 34840 m. Smoke in cockpit due to scorching paint.

1961 September 28 - 17:50 GMT - Hidden Hills DZ -. X-15 2-19-35 X-15A Mach 5, Heat Trans. test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 31 km (19 mi). Maximum Speed - 5792 kph. Maximum Altitude - 31030 m. Test reentry heat limit. Smoke in cockpit due to scorching paint.

1961 September 29 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 1- A-38 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A aborted launch. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1961 October 3 - 18:40 GMT - Silver Lake DZ -. X-15 1-23-39 X-15A VO Stability test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 23 km (14 mi). Flight made with lower ventral off. Maximum Speed - 4553 kph. Maximum Altitude - 23770 m.

1961 October 11 - 20:20 GMT - Mud Lake DZ -. X-15 2-20-36 FAILURE: Left windshield cracks. X-15A Alt, Aero, Low q test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 66 km (41 mi). Outer panel of left windshield cracked. Maximum Speed - 5868 kph. Maximum Altitude - 66150 m.

1961 October 17 - 18:57 GMT - Mud Lake DZ -. X-15 1-24-40 X-15A Mach 5, Aero, Stab test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 33 km (20 mi). Maximum Speed - 6275 kph. Maximum Altitude - 33100 m.

1961 October 27 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 1- A-41 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A aborted launch. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1961 November 2 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 1- A-42 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A aborted launch. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1961 November 3 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 1- A-43 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A aborted launch. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1961 November 9 - 17:57 GMT - Mud Lake DZ -. X-15 2-21-37 FAILURE: Right windshield cracks. X-15A Mach 6, Aero, Stab test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 31 km (19 mi). Design speed achieved. Outer right windshield shattered. Maximum Speed - 6586 kph. Maximum Altitude - 30950 m.

1961 December 19 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 3-A-1 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A aborted launch. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1961 December 20 - 22:45 GMT - Silver Lake DZ -. X-15 3-1-2 X-15A MH-96 test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 24 km (14 mi). First flight for X-15 # 3. Maximum Speed - 4026 kph. Maximum Altitude - 24700 m.

1962 January 10 - 20:28 GMT - Mud Lake DZ -. X-15 1-25-44 FAILURE: Emergency landing at Mud Lake. X-15A High alpha, Aero test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 13 km (8 mi). Emergency landing on Mud Lake after engine failed to light. Maximum Speed - 1038 kph. Maximum Altitude - 13,640 m.

1962 January 17 - 20:00 GMT - Mud Lake DZ -. X-15 3-2-3 X-15A MH-96. Mach 5 test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 40 km (24 mi). Maximum Speed - 6058 kph. Maximum Altitude - 40690 m.

1962 March 29 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 3-A-4 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A aborted launch. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1962 March 30 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 3-A-5 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A aborted launch. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1962 March 31 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 3-A-6 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A aborted launch. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1962 April 5 - 18:04 GMT - Hidden Hills DZ -. X-15 3-3-7 X-15A MH-96 test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 54 km (33 mi). Maximum Speed - 4586 kph. Maximum Altitude - 54860 m. The X-15 was flown in a test of a new automatic control system to be used in the Dyna-Soar and Apollo spacecraft. The previous electronic control system had been automatic only while the X-15 was in the atmosphere; the new system was automatic in space as well.

1962 April 18 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 1- A-45 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A aborted launch. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1962 April 19 - 18:02 GMT - Mud Lake DZ -. X-15 1-26-46 X-15A ASAS, alpha 20, M=5 test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 46 km (28 mi). Maximum Speed - 6220 kph. Maximum Altitude - 46940 m.

1962 April 20 - 19:26 GMT - Mud Lake DZ -. X-15 3-4-8 X-15A MH-96, M=5 test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 63 km (39 mi). Maximum Speed - 6097 kph. Maximum Altitude - 63250 m.

1962 April 25 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 2- A-38 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi). Maximum Speed - 5879 kph. Maximum Altitude - 32160 m.

1962 April 26 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 2- A-39 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A aborted launch. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1962 April 27 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 1- A-47 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A aborted launch. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1962 April 30 - 18:23 GMT - Mud Lake DZ -. X-15 1-27-48 X-15A Alt, Low q, Aero test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 75 km (46 mi). Design altitude flight. Maximum Speed - 5614 kph. Maximum Altitude - 75190 m.

1962 May 2 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 (3-C) Eglin Demonstration mission Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1962 May 5 - Eglin -. X-15 (3-C) Eglin Demonstration mission Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1962 May 5 - Altus AFB -. X-15 (3-C) Eglin Demonstration mission Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1962 May 8 - 18:01 GMT - Hidden Hills DZ -. X-15 2-22-40 X-15A Heat T/ASAS/High al. test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 21 km (13 mi). Maximum Speed - 5670 kph. Maximum Altitude - 21460 m. First flight to exceed 2000 psf (136 bar) dynamic pressure.

1962 May 22 - 18:04 GMT - Hidden Hills DZ -. X-15 1-28-49 X-15A Local flow test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 30 km (18 mi). Maximum Speed - 5551 kph. Maximum Altitude - 30600 m. Roller coaster flight with three peaks for local airflow investigation.

1962 May 25 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 2- A-41 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A aborted launch. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1962 May 29 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 2- A-42 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A aborted launch. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1962 June 1 - 18:51 GMT - Delamar Dry Lake DZ -. X-15 2-23-43 X-15A ASAS, 23 alpha, M=5 test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 40 km (24 mi). Maximum Speed - 5913 kph. Maximum Altitude - 40420 m. Steepest reentry descent with highest angle of attack (27 degrees) to date.

1962 June 7 - 18:29 GMT - Hidden Hills DZ -. X-15 1-29-50 X-15A Local flow, M=5 test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 31 km (19 mi). Maximum Speed - 5908 kph. Maximum Altitude - 31580 m.

1962 June 12 - 20:04 GMT - Delamar Dry Lake DZ -. X-15 3-5-9 X-15A RCS check, M=5 test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 56 km (34 mi). Maximum Speed - 5659 kph. Maximum Altitude - 56270 m.

1962 June 21 - 17:47 GMT - Delamar Dry Lake DZ -. X-15 3-6-10 X-15A MH-96 Demo, M=5 test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 75 km (46 mi). Maximum Speed - 5858 kph. Maximum Altitude - 75190 m.

1962 June 27 - 21:08 GMT - Mud Lake DZ -. X-15 1-30-51 X-15A High alpha, Mach 6 test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 37 km (22 mi). Unofficial world speed record. Maximum Speed - 6603 kph. Maximum Altitude - 37700 m.

1962 June 29 - 18:41 GMT - Hidden Hills DZ -. X-15 2-24-44 X-15A Heating rates, notch test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 25 km (15 mi). Maximum Speed - 5278 kph. Maximum Altitude - 25360 m.

1962 July 10 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 3-A-11 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A aborted launch. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1962 July 11 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 3-A-12 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A aborted launch. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1962 July 16 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 3-A-13 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A aborted launch. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1962 July 16 - 22:09 GMT - Mud Lake DZ -. X-15 1-31-52 FAILURE: Power trips. X-15A Notch/ASAS/Aero drag test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 32 km (19 mi). Maximum Speed - 5911 kph. Maximum Altitude - 32670 m.

1962 July 17 - 17:31 GMT - Delamar Dry Lake DZ -. X-15 3-7-14 X-15A MH-96 Demo test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 95 km (59 mi). FAI world altitude record. Maximum Speed - 6166 kph. Maximum Altitude - 95940 m. First astronaut wings flight (USAF definition).

1962 July 19 - 17:53 GMT - Hidden Hills DZ -. X-15 2-25-45 X-15A Heating rates, drag test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 26 km (16 mi). Maximum Speed - 5590 kph. Maximum Altitude - 25680 m.

1962 July 26 - 19:22 GMT - Mud Lake DZ -. X-15 1-32-53 X-15A Aero stab. and drag test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 30 km (18 mi). Maximum Speed - 6418 kph. Maximum Altitude - 30150 m. Roller coaster descent to simulate emergency reentry.

1962 August 1 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 3-A-15 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A aborted launch. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1962 August 2 - 17:56 GMT - Mud Lake DZ -. X-15 3-8-16 X-15A MH-96 fixed gain test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 44 km (27 mi). Maximum Speed - 5532 kph. Maximum Altitude - 44040 m.

1962 August 8 - 18:08 GMT - Hidden Hills DZ -. X-15 2-26-46 X-15A Heating, aero drag test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 27 km (16 mi). Maximum Speed - 4735 kph. Maximum Altitude - 27700 m.

1962 August 10 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 3-A-17 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A aborted launch. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1962 August 14 - 18:41 GMT - Delamar Dry Lake DZ -. X-15 3-9-18 FAILURE: Roll damper failure. X-15A Const Theta Entry test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 59 km (36 mi). Maximum Speed - 6029 kph. Maximum Altitude - 59010 m. New reentry technique using pitch angle instrument instead of AOA.

1962 August 20 - 18:08 GMT - Hidden Hills DZ -. X-15 2-27-47 X-15A Heating, drag, ASAS test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 27 km (16 mi). Maximum Speed - 5686 kph. Maximum Altitude - 27000 m.

1962 August 29 - 18:36 GMT - Hidden Hills DZ -. X-15 2-28-48 X-15A Heating test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 29 km (18 mi). Maximum Speed - 5546 kph. Maximum Altitude - 29630 m.

1962 September 27 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 2- A-49 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A aborted launch. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1962 September 28 - 18:04 GMT - Hidden Hills DZ -. X-15 2-29-50 X-15A Heating, VO Stab test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 20 km (12 mi). This and most following flights without lower ventral. Maximum Speed - 4450 kph. Maximum Altitude - 20790 m.

1962 October 4 - 18:10 GMT - Delamar Dry Lake DZ -. X-15 3-10-19 FAILURE: Failure of APU, ball nose, and yaw damper. X-15A VO Stability test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 34 km (21 mi). Maximum Speed - 5620 kph. Maximum Altitude - 34200 m.

1962 October 9 - 18:58 GMT - Delamar Dry Lake DZ -. X-15 2-30-51 X-15A VO Stability test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 39 km (24 mi). Maximum Speed - 5979 kph. Maximum Altitude - 39700 m.

1962 October 23 - 19:30 GMT - Mud Lake DZ -. X-15 3-11-20 X-15A VO Stability test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 41 km (25 mi). Maximum Speed - 6056 kph. Maximum Altitude - 41000 m.

1962 November 9 - 18:23 GMT - Mud Lake DZ -. X-15 2-31-52 FAILURE: Engine failure. Crash landing on Mud Lake. X-15A VO Stab, Bound.Layer test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 16 km (9 mi). Engine only produced 35% power. Emergency landing at Mud Lake. Aircraft seriously damaged when gear failed. McKay injured. Maximum Speed - 1640 kph. Maximum Altitude - 16450 m.

1962 December 13 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 3- A-21 FAILURE: Failure. VO Stab, UVP Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1962 December 14 - 18:44 GMT - Mud Lake DZ -. X-15 3-12-22 X-15A VO Stab, UVP Test/Ultraviolet Astronomy mission Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 43 km (26 mi). Maximum Speed - 6021 kph. Maximum Altitude - 43100 m.

1962 December 20 - 19:25 GMT - Mud Lake DZ -. X-15 3-13-23 X-15A VO Stab, MH-96 test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 48 km (29 mi). Maximum Speed - 6103 kph. Maximum Altitude - 48900 m.

1963 January 17 - 18:59 GMT - Delamar Dry Lake DZ -. X-15 3-14-24 X-15A VO Alt, IR expt Test/Technology mission Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 82 km (50 mi). First civilian flight above 80 km. Maximum Speed - 5917 kph. Maximum Altitude - 82810 m. Second astronaut wings flight (USAF definition).

1963 April 11 - 18:03 GMT - Hidden Hills DZ -. X-15 1-33-54 X-15A KC-1/APU Test/Imaging mission Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 22 km (13 mi). Maximum Speed - 4608 kph. Maximum Altitude - 22680 m. First flight in scientific and advanced research series - carried aerial mapping camera.

1963 April 18 - 20:16 GMT - Hidden Hills DZ -. X-15 3-15-25 FAILURE: Nose gear scoop door opens at Mach 3.4. X-15A HT,Local flow,IR Test/Technology mission Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 28 km (17 mi). Nose landing gear failed. Maximum Speed - 6066 kph. Maximum Altitude - 28190 m.

1963 April 25 - 22:04 GMT - Delamar Dry Lake DZ -. X-15 1-34-55 X-15A KC-1 Imaging mission Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 32 km (19 mi). Maximum Speed - 5879 kph. Maximum Altitude - 32160 m.

1963 May 2 - 17:59 GMT - Mud Lake DZ -. X-15 3-16-26 X-15A APU,UVP,IR,flow Test/Ultraviolet Astronomy/Technolgy mission Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 63 km (39 mi). Maximum Speed - 5612 kph. Maximum Altitude - 63820 m. Carried earth background radiation instrument in support of Midas reconnsat development.

1963 May 10 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 3- A-27 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A Test/Ultraviolet Astronomy/Technology mission Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1963 May 14 - 20:11 GMT - Hidden Hills DZ -. X-15 3-17-28 X-15A Heating,UVP,IR Test/Ultraviolet Astronomy/Technology mission Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 29 km (18 mi). Maximum Speed - 5792 kph. Maximum Altitude - 29140 m.

1963 May 15 - 18:50 GMT - Delamar Dry Lake DZ -. X-15 1-35-56 FAILURE: Nose gear scoop door opens at Mach 5.2. X-15A Opt Deg/Trav Probe Test/Technology mission Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 37 km (22 mi). Maximum Speed - 6204 kph. Maximum Altitude - 37860 m. Lost both nose landing gear tires and forward fuselage buckled after APU gear box pressure loss.

1963 May 29 - 18:43 GMT - Delamar Dry Lake DZ -. X-15 3-18-29 X-15A Aero heating/VO Stab test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 28 km (17 mi). Inner panel of left windshield cracked. Maximum Speed - 6208 kph. Maximum Altitude - 28040 m.

1963 June 18 - 18:34 GMT - Delamar Dry Lake DZ -. X-15 3-19-30 X-15A Alt, UVP, Tail p Test/Ultraviolet Astronomy mission Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 68 km (42 mi). Maximum Speed - 5694 kph. Maximum Altitude - 68180 m.

1963 June 25 - 17:53 GMT - Delamar Dry Lake DZ -. X-15 1-36-57 X-15A Opt Deg/Trav Probe Technology mission Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 34 km (21 mi). Maximum Speed - 6293 kph. Maximum Altitude - 34080 m.

1963 June 27 - 17:56 GMT - Delamar Dry Lake DZ -. X-15 3-20-31 X-15A Alt/UVP/IR/HorScan Test/Ultraviolet Astronomy/Technology mission Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 86 km (53 mi). Maximum Speed - 5511 kph. Maximum Altitude - 86870 m. Third astronaut wings flight (USAF definition).

1963 July 3 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 1- A-58 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A Technology/test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1963 July 9 - 20:12 GMT - Delamar Dry Lake DZ -. X-15 1-37-59 X-15A Opt Deg/TravP/RAS Technology/test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 69 km (42 mi). Maximum Speed - 5842 kph. Maximum Altitude - 69010 m.

1963 July 17 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 1- A-60 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A aborted launch. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1963 July 18 - 18:07 GMT - Mud Lake DZ -. X-15 1-38-61 X-15A VO Stability test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 31 km (19 mi). Maximum Speed - 6315 kph. Maximum Altitude - 31940 m.

1963 July 19 - 18:20 GMT - Smith Ranch Lake DZ -. X-15 3-21-32 X-15A VO,UVP,IR,HS,Balloon Test/Technology/Ultraviolet Astronomy mission Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 106 km (65 mi). Maximum Speed - 5969 kph. Maximum Altitude - 106010 m. Astronaut wings flight. 80 cm diameter balloon dragged on 30 m line to measure air density. First X-15 astronaut flight (FAI definition); fourth astronaut wings flight (USAF definition).

1963 August 6 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 3- A-33 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A Test/Aeronomy mission Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1963 August 13 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 3- A-34 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A Test/Aeronomy mission Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1963 August 15 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 3- A-35 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A Test/Aeronomy mission Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1963 August 22 - 18:05 GMT - Smith Ranch Lake DZ -. X-15 3-22-36 X-15A VO,Spectrom,Photom Test/Aeronomy mission Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 107 km (66 mi). Unofficial world altitude record. Maximum Speed - 6105 kph. Maximum Altitude - 107960 m. Second X-15 astronaut flight (FAI definition); fifth astronaut wings flight (USAF definition).

1963 October 4 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 1- A-62 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A Test/Technology mission Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1963 October 7 - 20:22 GMT - Hidden Hills DZ -. X-15 1-39-63 X-15A Checkout/Opt Deg. Test/Technology mission Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 23 km (14 mi). Maximum Speed - 4560 kph. Maximum Altitude - 23710 m.

1963 October 14 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 3- A-37 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A Test/Technology mission Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1963 October 25 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 3- A-38 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A Sharp Upper Vert. test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi). X-15 aborted launch (Sharp Upper Vert.)

1963 October 29 - 20:42 GMT - Hidden Hills DZ -. X-15 1-40-64 X-15A Checkout/Opt Deg. Test/Technology mission Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 22 km (13 mi). Maximum Speed - 4364 kph. Maximum Altitude - 22600 m.

1963 November 7 - 18:11 GMT - Hidden Hills DZ -. X-15 3-23-39 X-15A Sharp Upper Vert. test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 25 km (15 mi). Maximum Speed - 4706 kph. Maximum Altitude - 25080 m. First flight with sharp-edged vertical stabilizer.

1963 November 14 - 19:19 GMT - Hidden Hills DZ -. X-15 1-41-65 X-15A CO/Opt Deg/Systems Test/Technology mission Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 27 km (16 mi). Maximum Speed - 5287 kph. Maximum Altitude - 27680 m.

1963 November 19 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 3- A-40 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A Checkout mission Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi). X-15 aborted launch (Checkout)

1963 November 27 - 20:17 GMT - Hidden Hills DZ -. X-15 3-24-41 X-15A Checkout mission Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 27 km (16 mi). Maximum Speed - 5326 kph. Maximum Altitude - 27371 m.

1963 December 3 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 1- A-66 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A aborted launch. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1963 December 5 - 19:04 GMT - Delamar Dry Lake DZ -. X-15 1-42-67 X-15A Opt Deg/Sys/Mach 6 Technology/test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 30 km (18 mi). Maximum Speed - 6465 kph. Maximum Altitude - 30785 m. Camera test in combination with U-2 flight.

1963 December 18 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 1- A-68 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A Opt Deg Technology mission Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi). X-15 aborted launch (Opt Deg)

1964 January 8 - 20:10 GMT - Mud Lake DZ -. X-15 1-43-69 FAILURE: Inertial instruments failure. X-15A SAS Off Stability test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 42 km (26 mi). Maximum Speed - 5818 kph. Maximum Altitude - 42642 m.

1964 January 16 - 18:03 GMT - Hidden Hills DZ -. X-15 3-25-42 X-15A Sharp Upper Vert test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 21 km (13 mi). Maximum Speed - 5216 kph. Maximum Altitude - 21641 m.

1964 January 28 - 20:11 GMT - Delamar Dry Lake DZ -. X-15 1-44-70 X-15A Stability test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 32 km (19 mi). Maximum Speed - 5821 kph. Maximum Altitude - 32736 m. First test of hypersonic speed brakes.

1964 February 19 - 17:57 GMT - Hidden Hills DZ -. X-15 3-26-43 X-15A SUV,Boundary Layer test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 23 km (14 mi). Maximum Speed - 5662 kph. Maximum Altitude - 23957 m.

1964 March 13 - 17:46 GMT - Hidden Hills DZ -. X-15 3-27-44 X-15A SUV,Boundary Layer test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 23 km (14 mi). Maximum Speed - 5458 kph. Maximum Altitude - 23165 m.

1964 March 17 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 1- A-71 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A Optical Degradation Technology mission Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi). X-15 aborted launch (Optical Degradation)

1964 March 27 - 18:10 GMT - Delamar Dry Lake DZ -. X-15 1-45-72 X-15A Optical Degradation Technology mission Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 30 km (18 mi). Maximum Speed - 6158 kph. Maximum Altitude - 30937 m. Secret reconn camera test.

1964 March 31 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 3- A-45 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A aborted launch. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1964 April 8 - 18:02 GMT - Delamar Dry Lake DZ -. X-15 1-46-73 X-15A Optical Degradation /Alternate Build Technology/test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 53 km (32 mi). Maximum Speed - 5580 kph. Maximum Altitude - 53340 m.

1964 April 29 - 18:00 GMT - Delamar Dry Lake DZ -. X-15 1-47-74 X-15A Opt Deg/Att Indic. Technology/test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 31 km (19 mi). Maximum Speed - 6285 kph. Maximum Altitude - 30968 m.

1964 May 11 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 3- A-46 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A aborted launch. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1964 May 12 - 17:51 GMT - Hidden Hills DZ -. X-15 3-28-47 FAILURE: Problems with inertial platform and SAS. X-15A SUV/BLN test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 22 km (13 mi). Maximum Speed - 4962 kph. Maximum Altitude - 22189 m.

1964 May 19 - 18:26 GMT - Delamar Dry Lake DZ -. X-15 1-48-75 X-15A Optical Degradation /Alternate Build Technology/test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 59 km (36 mi). Maximum Speed - 5262 kph. Maximum Altitude - 59680 m.

1964 May 21 - 17:39 GMT - Silver Lake DZ -. X-15 3-29-48 FAILURE: Emergency landing at Cuddleback Lake. X-15A SUV/BLN test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 19 km (11 mi). Premature engine shutdown at 41 sec. Maximum Speed - 3001 kph. Maximum Altitude - 19568 m.

1964 June 11 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 1- A-76 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A Technology/test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1964 June 15 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 2- C-53 X-15A-2 Carry test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi). X-15 captive flight (X-15A-2 modification)

1964 June 23 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 2- A-54 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A-2 Stability test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi). X-15 aborted launch (Stability)

1964 June 25 - 17:34 GMT - Hidden Hills DZ -. X-15 2-32-55 X-15A-2 Stability test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 25 km (15 mi). Maximum Speed - 4994 kph. Maximum Altitude - 25390 m. First flight of X-15 No. 2 in X-15A-2 configuration, but without drop tanks.

1964 June 30 - 17:49 GMT - Delamar Dry Lake DZ -. X-15 1-49-77 X-15A Optical Degradation /Alternate Build Technology/test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 30 km (18 mi). Maximum Speed - 5364 kph. Maximum Altitude - 30358 m.

1964 July 2 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 3- A-49 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A aborted launch. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1964 July 8 - 21:02 GMT - Delamar Dry Lake DZ -. X-15 3-30-50 FAILURE: MH-96 guidance malfunction. X-15A Hor Scan/MH-96 test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 51 km (31 mi). Maximum Speed - 5664 kph. Maximum Altitude - 51938 m. First test of IR horizon scanner.

1964 July 28 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 3- A-51 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A aborted launch. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1964 July 29 - 19:55 GMT - Hidden Hills DZ -. X-15 3-31-52 X-15A Heat tran/Local Flow test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 23 km (14 mi). Maximum Speed - 5250 kph. Maximum Altitude - 23774 m. First test of various heat-resistant panels attached to fuselage.

1964 August 12 - 18:12 GMT - Hidden Hills DZ -. X-15 3-32-53 X-15A Heat tran/LF/BLN test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 24 km (14 mi). Maximum Speed - 5688 kph. Maximum Altitude - 24750 m.

1964 August 14 - 17:54 GMT - Delamar Dry Lake DZ -. X-15 2-33-56 FAILURE: Nose gear deployed at Mach 4.2. X-15A-2 Stability test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 31 km (19 mi). Maximum Speed - 5776 kph. Maximum Altitude - 31486 m. Nose landing gear extended at Mach 4.5. Both tires blew on landing.

1964 August 26 - 18:42 GMT - Hidden Hills DZ -. X-15 3-33-54 X-15A HT/LF/BLN test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 27 km (16 mi). Maximum Speed - 6216 kph. Maximum Altitude - 27737 m.

1964 September 3 - 17:54 GMT - Hidden Hills DZ -. X-15 3-34-55 X-15A HT/BLN test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 23 km (14 mi). Maximum Speed - 5817 kph. Maximum Altitude - 23957 m.

1964 September 23 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 3- A-56 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A Test/Technology mission Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1964 September 23 - 21:16 GMT - Delamar Dry Lake DZ -. X-15 3-35-57 X-15A MA-45R TPS, BLN Test/Technology mission Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 29 km (18 mi). X-15 Flight 117 (MA-45R TPS, BLN)

1964 September 29 - 21:00 GMT - Mud Lake DZ -. X-15 2-34-57 FAILURE: Nose gear scoop door causes handling difficulties. X-15A-2 Stab.,Star tracker test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 29 km (18 mi). Maximum Speed - 5699 kph. Maximum Altitude - 29809 m.

1964 October 2 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 1- A-78 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A aborted launch. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1964 October 15 - 21:15 GMT - Hidden Hills DZ -. X-15 1-50-79 X-15A IFDS/Tip Pod/AD-SB Test/Aeronomy mission Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 25 km (15 mi). Maximum Speed - 4904 kph. Maximum Altitude - 25878 m. First flight with X-20 INS and wing tip pods.

1964 October 29 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 3- C-58 X-15A Gear modification check test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi). X-15 captive flight - gear mod check

1964 October 30 - 17:51 GMT - Hidden Hills DZ -. X-15 3-36-59 X-15A Gear mod, BLN test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 25 km (15 mi). Maximum Speed - 5009 kph. Maximum Altitude - 25786 m.

1964 November 6 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 2- C-58 X-15A-2 test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi). X-15 captive flight

1964 November 16 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 2- C-59 X-15A-2 test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi). X-15 captive flight

1964 November 30 - 20:09 GMT - Hidden Hills DZ -. X-15 2-35-60 X-15A-2 Gear mod, Stab,ST test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 26 km (16 mi). Maximum Speed - 4970 kph. Maximum Altitude - 26579 m.

1964 December 4 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 1- A-80 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A aborted launch. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1964 December 9 - 18:36 GMT - Hidden Hills DZ -. X-15 3-37-60 X-15A 3D Flow Field,MA-45R Test/Technology mission Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 28 km (17 mi). Maximum Speed - 5990 kph. Maximum Altitude - 28164 m.

1964 December 10 - 19:10 GMT - Delamar Dry Lake DZ -. X-15 1-51-81 X-15A IFDS/MIT/Air Den Test/Aeronomy mission Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 34 km (21 mi). Maximum Speed - 5913 kph. Maximum Altitude - 34503 m.

1964 December 22 - 18:44 GMT - Hidden Hills DZ -. X-15 3-38-61 X-15A Friction,GE TPS.,3D Test/Technology mission Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 24 km (14 mi). Maximum Speed - 5781 kph. Maximum Altitude - 24750 m.

1965 January 13 - 18:51 GMT - Hidden Hills DZ -. X-15 3-39-62 FAILURE: Control system problems. X-15A 3D,HT,Fric,BLN test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 30 km (18 mi). Maximum Speed - 5973 kph. Maximum Altitude - 30297 m. Immediately after burnout aircraft gyrated around all 3 axes for 7 seconds.

1965 January 26 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 1- A-82 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A aborted launch. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1965 February 2 - 20:50 GMT - Delamar Dry Lake DZ -. X-15 3-40-63 X-15A MA-25S TPS,MH-96,BLN Test/Technology mission Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 29 km (18 mi). Maximum Speed - 6253 kph. Maximum Altitude - 29931 m.

1965 February 15 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 2- C-62 X-15A-2 test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi). X-15 captive flight

1965 February 15 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 2- C-61 X-15A-2 test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi). X-15 captive flight

1965 February 17 - 18:44 GMT - Mud Lake DZ -. X-15 2-36-63 FAILURE: Landing skid extends at Mach 4.3. X-15A-2 Stability test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 29 km (18 mi). Maximum Speed - 5649 kph. Maximum Altitude - 28986 m. Right main landing gear extended at Mach 4.1; normal landing.

1965 February 19 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 1- A-83 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A aborted launch. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1965 February 25 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 1- A-84 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A aborted launch. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1965 February 26 - 19:45 GMT - Delamar Dry Lake DZ -. X-15 1-52-85 X-15A MIT/AirD/Sky Bright Aeronomy mission Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 46 km (28 mi). Maximum Speed - 6034 kph. Maximum Altitude - 46817 m.

1965 March 26 - 19:01 GMT - Delamar Dry Lake DZ -. X-15 1-53-86 X-15A IR Scanner/IFDS Technology/test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 31 km (19 mi). Maximum Speed - 5760 kph. Maximum Altitude - 31059 m.

1965 April 23 - 17:44 GMT - Hidden Hills DZ -. X-15 3-41-64 X-15A HT/Abl TPS/BLN Test/Technology mission Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 24 km (14 mi). Maximum Speed - 5760 kph. Maximum Altitude - 24293 m.

1965 April 28 - 20:26 GMT - Hidden Hills DZ -. X-15 2-37-64 X-15A-2 Landing loads,Stab test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 28 km (17 mi). Maximum Speed - 5266 kph. Maximum Altitude - 28224 m. First star tracker checkout.

1965 May 11 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 1- A-87 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A aborted launch. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1965 May 13 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 2- A-65 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A-2 aborted launch. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1965 May 18 - 17:56 GMT - Mud Lake DZ -. X-15 2-38-66 X-15A-2 Stab, landing, ST test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 31 km (19 mi). Maximum Speed - 5697 kph. Maximum Altitude - 31120 m.

1965 May 25 - 18:12 GMT - Mud Lake DZ -. X-15 1-54-88 X-15A IFDS/MIT/RAS modification technology / test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 54 km (33 mi). Maximum Speed - 5100 kph. Maximum Altitude - 54803 m.

1965 May 28 - 17:43 GMT - Delamar Dry Lake DZ -. X-15 3-42-65 X-15A Radiometer/Scan/BLN Test/Aeronomy mission Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 63 km (39 mi). Maximum Speed - 6040 kph. Maximum Altitude - 63886 m.

1965 June 4 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 2- A-67 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A-2 aborted launch. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1965 June 8 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 2- A-68 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A-2 aborted launch. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1965 June 11 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 2- A-69 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A-2 aborted launch. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1965 June 16 - 18:26 GMT - Delamar Dry Lake DZ -. X-15 3-43-66 X-15A Radiometer/BLN test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 74 km (45 mi). Maximum Speed - 5477 kph. Maximum Altitude - 74585 m.

1965 June 17 - 17:40 GMT - Delamar Dry Lake DZ -. X-15 1-55-89 X-15A IR Scanner, INS test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 33 km (20 mi). Maximum Speed - 5697 kph. Maximum Altitude - 33071 m.

1965 June 22 - 17:44 GMT - Delamar Dry Lake DZ -. X-15 2-39-70 X-15A-2 Stability,ST,gear test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 47 km (29 mi). Maximum Speed - 6336 kph. Maximum Altitude - 47518 m.

1965 June 29 - 18:21 GMT - Delamar Dry Lake DZ -. X-15 3-44-67 X-15A LaRC Scan,Radiom,BLN Test/Aeronomy mission Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 85 km (52 mi). Maximum Speed - 5522 kph. Maximum Altitude - 85527 m. Astronaut wings flight (USAF definition).

1965 July 2 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 2- A-71 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A-2 aborted launch. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1965 July 8 - 17:16 GMT - Delamar Dry Lake DZ -. X-15 2-40-72 X-15A-2 ST,Landing,Alt test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 64 km (39 mi). Maximum Speed - 5887 kph. Maximum Altitude - 64800 m. Star tracker mission to photograph Gamma Cassiopeia.

1965 July 13 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 3- A-68 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A aborted launch. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1965 July 20 - 17:59 GMT - Delamar Dry Lake DZ -. X-15 3-45-69 X-15A Bound.Layer Noise test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 32 km (19 mi). Maximum Speed - 6050 kph. Maximum Altitude - 32126 m.

1965 July 23 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 1- A-90 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A aborted launch. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1965 July 27 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 1- A-91 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A aborted launch. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1965 July 28 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 1- A-92 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A aborted launch. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1965 August 3 - 20:40 GMT - Delamar Dry Lake DZ -. X-15 2-41-73 X-15A-2 RAS,ST,Landing test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 63 km (39 mi). Maximum Speed - 5796 kph. Maximum Altitude - 63612 m.

1965 August 6 - 17:41 GMT - Delamar Dry Lake DZ -. X-15 1-56-93 X-15A IR Scan,Stability test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 31 km (19 mi). Maximum Speed - 5686 kph. Maximum Altitude - 31455 m.

1965 August 10 - 19:24 GMT - Delamar Dry Lake DZ -. X-15 3-46-70 X-15A Northrop Scan,BLN test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 82 km (50 mi). Maximum Speed - 5712 kph. Maximum Altitude - 82601 m. Astronaut wings flight (USAF definition).

1965 August 20 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 1- A-94 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A aborted launch. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1965 August 24 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 1- A-95 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A aborted launch. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1965 August 25 - 17:54 GMT - Delamar Dry Lake DZ -. X-15 1-57-96 X-15A MIT Scan,Stability test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 65 km (40 mi). Maximum Speed - 5799 kph. Maximum Altitude - 65258 m.

1965 August 26 - 17:52 GMT - Delamar Dry Lake DZ -. X-15 3-47-71 X-15A Northrop Radiom,BLN Test/Aeronomy mission? Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 73 km (45 mi). Maximum Speed - 5426 kph. Maximum Altitude - 73030 m.

1965 September 2 - 17:40 GMT - Delamar Dry Lake DZ -. X-15 2-42-74 X-15A-2 RAS,ST,Landing test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 73 km (45 mi). X-15 Flight 146 (RAS,ST,Landing)

1965 September 9 - 17:55 GMT - Delamar Dry Lake DZ -. X-15 1-58-97 X-15A IR scan,Abl TPS test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 29 km (18 mi). Maximum Speed - 5686 kph. Maximum Altitude - 29627 m.

1965 September 14 - 18:01 GMT - Delamar Dry Lake DZ -. X-15 3-48-72 X-15A N.Radiom,BLN Test/Aeronomy mission? Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 72 km (44 mi). Maximum Speed - 5662 kph. Maximum Altitude - 72847 m.

1965 September 22 - 18:58 GMT - Delamar Dry Lake DZ -. X-15 1-59-98 X-15A-2 Infrared Scanner test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 30 km (18 mi). Maximum Speed - 5744 kph. Maximum Altitude - 73091 m.

1965 September 28 - 18:07 GMT - Delamar Dry Lake DZ -. X-15 3-49-73 X-15A N.Scan/BLN/Tail test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 90 km (55 mi). Maximum Speed - 6005 kph. Maximum Altitude - 90099 m. Astronaut wings flight (USAF definition).

1965 September 30 - 17:43 GMT - Hidden Hills DZ -. X-15 1-60-99 X-15A Infrared Scanner test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 23 km (14 mi). Maximum Speed - 4373 kph. Maximum Altitude - 23350 m.

1965 October 8 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 1- A-100 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A aborted launch. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1965 October 12 - 17:43 GMT - Hidden Hills DZ -. X-15 3-50-74 FAILURE: APU shutdown. X-15A Checkout mission Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 28 km (17 mi). Maximum Speed - 5001 kph. Maximum Altitude - 28770 m.

1965 October 14 - 20:46 GMT - Delamar Dry Lake DZ -. X-15 1-61-101 X-15A MIT,Pace transducer test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 81 km (50 mi). Maximum Speed - 5718 kph. Maximum Altitude - 81230 m. Astronaut wings flight (USAF definition).

1965 October 27 - 18:49 GMT - Delamar Dry Lake DZ -. X-15 3-51-75 X-15A N.Scan/BLN test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 72 km (44 mi). Maximum Speed - 5662 kph. Maximum Altitude - 72210 m.

1965 November 2 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 1- A-102 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A aborted launch. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1965 November 3 - 17:09 GMT - Cuddeback Dry Lake DZ -. X-15 2-43-75 X-15A-2 External Tank test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 21 km (13 mi). First flight with empty external tanks. Ammonia tank recovered; Lox tank destroyed. Maximum Speed - 2414 kph. Maximum Altitude - 21520 m.

1965 November 4 - 17:11 GMT - Hidden Hills DZ -. X-15 1-62-103 FAILURE: Two engine relights required. X-15A Checkout mission Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 24 km (14 mi). Maximum Speed - 4450 kph. Maximum Altitude - 24440 m.

1966 April 13 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 2- A-76 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A-2 aborted launch. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1966 April 20 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 2- A-77 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A-2 aborted launch. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1966 May 5 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 2- A-78 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A-2 aborted launch. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1966 May 6 - 21:30 GMT - Delamar Dry Lake DZ -. X-15 1-63-104 FAILURE: Pump failure forces emergency landing at Delamar Dry Lake. X-15A AD/MuMet/Scan/SB Aeronomy/Meteor/Technology mission Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 20 km (12 mi). Premature engine shutdown at 32 sec. Maximum Speed - 2307 kph. Maximum Altitude - 20850 m.

1966 May 18 - 18:24 GMT - Mud Lake DZ -. X-15 2-44-79 X-15A-2 V-On Stab test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 30 km (18 mi). Maximum Speed - 5936 kph. Maximum Altitude - 30170 m.

1966 June 2 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 1- A-105 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A aborted launch. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1966 June 10 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 1- A-106 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A aborted launch. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1966 June 20 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 3- A-76 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A aborted launch. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1966 June 27 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 2- C-80 X-15A-2 External Tank test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi). X-15 captive flight (External Tank Test)

1966 July 1 - 19:02 GMT - Mud Lake DZ -. X-15 2-45-81 FAILURE: Erroneous failure indication results in emergency landing at Mud Lake. X-15A-2 External Tank test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 13 km (8 mi). First flight with fueled external tanks. Engine shutdown at 34.6 seconds due to fuel flow anomalies. Maximum Speed - 1646 kph. Maximum Altitude - 13720 m.

1966 July 12 - 19:32 GMT - Mud Lake DZ -. X-15 1-64-107 X-15A Checkout, Systems test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 39 km (24 mi). Maximum Speed - 5876 kph. Maximum Altitude - 39620 m.

1966 July 13 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 3- A-77 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A aborted launch. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1966 July 18 - 19:38 GMT - Hidden Hills DZ -. X-15 3-52-78 X-15A Checkout, Systems test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 29 km (18 mi). Maximum Speed - 5176 kph. Maximum Altitude - 29290 m. First flight with X-20 energy management system.

1966 July 20 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 2- A-82 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A-2 aborted launch. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1966 July 21 - 20:02 GMT - Delamar Dry Lake DZ -. X-15 2-46-83 X-15A-2 Alt,ST,Abl TPS test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 58 km (36 mi). Maximum Speed - 5741 kph. Maximum Altitude - 58610 m.

1966 July 28 - 18:01 GMT - Delamar Dry Lake DZ -. X-15 1-65-108 X-15A MuMet/HS/SB/RAS Technology/Meteor/Aeronomy mission Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 73 km (45 mi). Maximum Speed - 5957 kph. Maximum Altitude - 73700 m.

1966 August 3 - 16:45 GMT - Delamar Dry Lake DZ -. X-15 2-47-84 X-15A-2 ST, Base drag test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 75 km (46 mi). Maximum Speed - 5535 kph. Maximum Altitude - 75890 m. UV photos of stars in Auriga.

1966 August 4 - 17:54 GMT - Mud Lake DZ -. X-15 3-53-79 X-15A Heat Tran,BLN,OBE Test/Technology mission Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 40 km (24 mi). Maximum Speed - 6376 kph. Maximum Altitude - 40450 m.

1966 August 9 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 1- A-109 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A aborted launch. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1966 August 10 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 1- A-110 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A aborted launch. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1966 August 11 - 17:44 GMT - Delamar Dry Lake DZ -. X-15 1-66-111 X-15A HS,MuMet,SB,Gas Technology/Meteor/Aeronomy mission Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 76 km (47 mi). Maximum Speed - 5776 kph. Maximum Altitude - 76500 m. Record dynamic pressure.

1966 August 12 - 18:25 GMT - Delamar Dry Lake DZ -. X-15 2-48-85 X-15A-2 ST,Pitot,Base drag test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 70 km (43 mi). Maximum Speed - 5586 kph. Maximum Altitude - 70440 m.

1966 August 19 - 18:04 GMT - Delamar Dry Lake DZ -. X-15 3-54-80 X-15A BLN,OBE,H Test/Aeronomy mission? Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 54 km (33 mi). Maximum Speed - 5804 kph. Maximum Altitude - 54250 m.

1966 August 25 - 17:49 GMT - Delamar Dry Lake DZ -. X-15 1-67-112 FAILURE: Inertial malfunction during re-entry. X-15A HS/MuMet/Gas Technology/Meteor/Aeronomy mission Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 78 km (48 mi). Maximum Speed - 5701 kph. Maximum Altitude - 78490 m. Collected micrometeorites and extraterrestrial dust.

1966 August 30 - 17:51 GMT - Mud Lake DZ -. X-15 2-49-86 FAILURE: SAS system drops out repeatedly, hydrogen peroxide fire in ventral fin. X-15A-2 V-On,Maurer,TPS Test/Technology/Ultraviolet Astronomy mission Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 31 km (19 mi). Maximum Speed - 5701 kph. Maximum Altitude - 30540 m.

1966 September 8 - 18:39 GMT - Smith Ranch Lake DZ -. X-15 1-68-113 FAILURE: Emergency landing at Smith Ranch. X-15A HS/Elec loads test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 22 km (13 mi). Premature engine shutdown at 38 sec. Maximum Speed - 2578 kph. Maximum Altitude - 22310 m.

1966 September 13 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 3- A-81 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A aborted launch. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1966 September 14 - 20:01 GMT - Delamar Dry Lake DZ -. X-15 3-55-82 X-15A MuMet/Solar spec Technology/Meteor/Solar mission Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 77 km (47 mi). Maximum Speed - 5770 kph. Maximum Altitude - 22980 m. JPL spectrometer measured solar flux; radiometer characterized exhaust plume in UV for reconnsat sensors; collected micrometeorites.

1966 September 28 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 1- A-114 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A aborted launch. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1966 October 4 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 1- A-115 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A aborted launch. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1966 October 6 - 20:16 GMT - Hidden Hills DZ -. X-15 1-69-116 FAILURE: Emergency landing at Cuddleback Dry Lake. X-15A Checkout mission Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 23 km (14 mi). Maximum Speed - 4666 kph. Maximum Altitude - 22980 m. Engine shut down at 90 seconds.

1966 October 7 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 2- A-87 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A-2 aborted launch. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1966 October 19 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 2- A-88 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A-2 aborted launch. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1966 November 1 - 21:24 GMT - Smith Ranch Lake DZ -. X-15 3-56-83 X-15A MuMet/DCR/SB Meteorological/Aeronomy mission Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 93 km (57 mi). Maximum Speed - 6034 kph. Maximum Altitude - 93540 m. Astronaut wings flight (USAF definition).

1966 November 18 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 3- A-84 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A-2 test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi). Unofficial world's speed record. Maximum Speed - 6838 kph. Maximum Altitude - 30140 m.

1966 November 18 - 21:24 GMT - Mud Lake DZ -. X-15 2-50-89 X-15A-2 ET/TPS/Maurer/Mach 6 Test/Ultraviolet Astronomy mission Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 30 km (18 mi). X-15 Flight 175 (ET/TPS/Maurer/Mach 6)

1966 November 23 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 3- A-85 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A aborted launch. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1966 November 29 - 19:38 GMT - Hidden Hills DZ -. X-15 3-57-86 X-15A Checkout mission Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 28 km (17 mi). Maximum Speed - 5020 kph. Maximum Altitude - 28040 m.

1966 December 22 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 2- C-90 Test mission Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1967 March 15 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 1- A-117 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A aborted launch. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1967 March 21 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 1- A-118 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A aborted launch. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1967 March 22 - 17:52 GMT - Mud Lake DZ -. X-15 1-70-119 FAILURE: Cockpit pressure problems. X-15A Stab./Loads/ASAS test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 40 km (24 mi). Maximum Speed - 6150 kph. Maximum Altitude - 40570 m. Inertial system failed after peak altitude; cabin pressurization lost during descent.

1967 April 20 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 1- A-120 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A aborted launch. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1967 April 26 - 19:20 GMT - Silver Lake DZ -. X-15 3-58-87 FAILURE: Emergency landing at Silver Lake. X-15A Telem/HT/Guidance test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 16 km (9 mi). Maximum Speed - 1871 kph. Maximum Altitude - 16280 m.

1967 April 28 - 17:23 GMT - Delamar Dry Lake DZ -. X-15 1-71-121 X-15A WTR/HS/E loads Test/Technology mission Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 50 km (31 mi). Maximum Speed - 5985 kph. Maximum Altitude - 50900 m.

1967 May 5 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 2- A-91 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A-2 aborted launch. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1967 May 8 - 19:27 GMT - Hidden Hills DZ -. X-15 2-51-92 FAILURE: Eyelid installed on one window; other window fogs up. X-15A-2 Ramjet flow test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 29 km (18 mi). Maximum Speed - 5138 kph. Maximum Altitude - 29750 m. Check out of stability and control with ramjet pod.

1967 May 12 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 3- A-88 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A aborted launch. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1967 May 17 - 17:45 GMT - Silver Lake DZ -. X-15 3-59-89 FAILURE: Severe tail oscillations. X-15A Telem/HT/Guidance test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 21 km (13 mi). Maximum Speed - 5112 kph. Maximum Altitude - 21670 m.

1967 May 25 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 1- A-122 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A aborted launch. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1967 June 1 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 1- A-123 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A aborted launch. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1967 June 14 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 1- A-124 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A aborted launch. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1967 June 15 - 18:09 GMT - Delamar Dry Lake DZ -. X-15 1-72-125 X-15A HS/Stab/WTR Test/Technology mission Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 69 km (42 mi). Maximum Speed - 5802 kph. Maximum Altitude - 69890 m.

1967 June 22 - 21:57 GMT - Hidden Hills DZ -. X-15 3-60-90 FAILURE: Severe tail oscillations. X-15A HT/Telem test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 25 km (15 mi). Maximum Speed - 5810 kph. Maximum Altitude - 25050 m.

1967 June 29 - 18:27 GMT - Smith Ranch Lake DZ -. X-15 1-73-126 FAILURE: Loss of both APU's and all electrical power. X-15A WTR/HS/ASAS Test/Technology mission Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 52 km (32 mi). Electrical failure while climbing through 32610 m; lost engine at 69 seconds; landed at Mud Lake with no flaps; Knight injured while exiting aircraft. Maximum Speed - 4618 kph. Maximum Altitude - 52730 m.

1967 July 20 - 17:11 GMT - Hidden Hills DZ -. X-15 3-61-91 X-15A HT/Guid/Telem test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 25 km (15 mi). Maximum Speed - 5942 kph. Maximum Altitude - 25720 m.

1967 August 7 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 2- C-93 X-15A-2 Ramjet flow test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi). X-15 captive flight (Ramjet flow)

1967 August 11 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 2- A-94 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A-2 Ramjet flow test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi). X-15 aborted launch (Ramjet flow)

1967 August 16 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 2- A-95 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A-2 aborted launch. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1967 August 21 - 17:59 GMT - Hidden Hills DZ -. X-15 2-52-96 X-15A-2 Ramjet/Hycon/TPS Test/Imaging mission? Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 27 km (16 mi). First test with full ablative coating, ramjet pod. Maximum Speed - 5419 kph. Maximum Altitude - 27740 m.

1967 August 25 - 20:27 GMT - Hidden Hills DZ -. X-15 3-62-92 X-15A Guid/HT/BLN test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 25 km (15 mi). Maximum Speed - 5012 kph. Maximum Altitude - 25720 m.

1967 September 22 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 3- A-93 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A aborted launch. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1967 October 3 - 21:31 GMT - Mud Lake DZ -. X-15 2-53-97 FAILURE: Heat flow from dummy ramjet nearly burns tail off. X-15A-2 TPS/Ramjet/Mach 6.7 test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 31 km (19 mi). Unofficial world speed record (full ablative coating, dummy ramjet, mechanical eyelid). Maximum Speed - 7273 kph. Maximum Altitude - 31120 m.

1967 October 4 - 17:16 GMT - Smith Ranch Lake DZ -. X-15 3-63-94 X-15A UV Plume/Solar/MM Technology/Meteor/Solar mission Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 76 km (47 mi). Maximum Speed - 7270 kph. Maximum Altitude - 76530 m.

1967 October 17 - 16:40 GMT - Smith Ranch Lake DZ -. X-15 3-64-95 X-15A UVPL/Solar/MM Technology/Meteor/Solar mission Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 85 km (52 mi). Maximum Speed - 6204 kph. Maximum Altitude - 85500 m. Astronaut wings flight (USAF definition).

1967 October 31 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 3- A-96 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A aborted launch. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1967 November 15 - 18:30 GMT - Delamar Dry Lake DZ -. X-15 3-65-97 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A UVPL/Solar/MM/SA TPS Technology/Meteor/Solar mission Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 81 km (50 mi). Fatal accident, aircraft destroyed. After reaching peak altitude, entered spin at Mach 5. Entered dive at 30,000 m, began high frequency pitch oscillations, disintegrated when these reached 15 Gs.Maximum Speed - 5744 kph. Maximum Altitude - 81080 m.

1968 February 6 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 1- C-127 X-15A test Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi). X-15 captive flight

1968 February 7 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 1- A-128 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A aborted launch. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1968 February 27 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 1- A-129 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A aborted launch. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1968 March 1 - 19:28 GMT - Hidden Hills DZ -. X-15 1-74-130 X-15A Checkout mission Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 31 km (19 mi). Maximum Speed - 4631 kph. Maximum Altitude - 31850 m. Tested Saturn V insulation.

1968 March 28 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 1- A-131 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A aborted launch. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1968 April 4 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 1- A-132 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A aborted launch. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1968 April 4 - 18:02 GMT - Delamar Dry Lake DZ -. X-15 1-75-133 X-15A CO/WTR/SA TPS Test/Technology mission Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 57 km (35 mi). Maximum Speed - 5808 kph. Maximum Altitude - 57150 m.

1968 April 26 - 19:51 GMT - Delamar Dry Lake DZ -. X-15 1-76-134 X-15A SA TPS/HS Test/Technology mission Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 63 km (39 mi). Maximum Speed - 5704 kph. Maximum Altitude - 63090 m.

1968 May 23 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 1- A-135 FAILURE: Failure. Fixed Alpha Ball/WTR Test/Technology mission Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1968 June 12 - 15:31 GMT - Smith Ranch Lake DZ -. X-15 1-77-136 X-15A WTR/SA TPS/HS/FAB Test/Technology mission Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 67 km (41 mi). Maximum Speed - 5733 kph. Maximum Altitude - 67090 m.

1968 July 15 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 1- A-137 FAILURE: Failure. Fluidic Probe/etc Test/Technology mission Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

1968 July 16 - 22:23 GMT - Railroad Valley Lake DZ -. X-15 1-78-138 X-15A WTR/HS/SB/FAB/FP Test/Technology/Aeronomy mission Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 67 km (41 mi). Maximum Speed - 5442 kph. Maximum Altitude - 67510 m.

1968 August 21 - 16:04 GMT - Railroad Valley Lake DZ -. X-15 1-79-139 X-15A WTR/HS/SB/FAB/FP Test/Technology/Aeronomy mission Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 81 km (50 mi). Maximum Speed - 5540 kph. Maximum Altitude - 81530 m. Astronaut wings flight (USAF definition).

1968 September 13 - 18:19 GMT - Smith Ranch Lake DZ -. X-15 1-80-140 X-15A WTR/HS/SB/FAB/FP Test/Technology/Aeronomy mission Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 77 km (47 mi). Maximum Speed - 5990 kph. Maximum Altitude - 77450 m.

1968 October 24 - 17:02 GMT - Smith Ranch Lake DZ -. X-15 1-81-141 X-15A WTR/HS/FAB/FP Test/Technology/Aeronomy mission Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 77 km (47 mi). Last flight. Maximum Speed - 5979 kph. Maximum Altitude - 77720 m.

1968 December 12 - Edwards RW04/22. X-15 1- A-142 FAILURE: Failure. X-15A Test/Technology/Aeronomy mission Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi). Attempted 200t flight, and last launch attempt of the programme.


Bibliography:

  • McDowell, Jonathan, Jonathan's Space Home Page (launch records), Harvard University, 1997-present. Web Address when accessed: http://www.planet4589.org/jsr.html.
  • Emme, Eugene M, Aeronautics and Astronautics: An American Chronology of Science and Technology in the Exploration of Space 1915-1960, NASA, 1961. Web Address when accessed: http://www.hq.nasa.gov/office/pao/History/timeline.html.
  • Emme, Eugene M, Aeronautical and Astronautical Events of 1961 Report of NASA to the Committee on Science and Astronautics US House of Representatives 87th Cong 2d Sess, NASA, 1962. Web Address when accessed: http://www.hq.nasa.gov/office/pao/History/timeline.html.
  • Gatland, Kenneth, Manned Spacecraft, Macmillan, New York, 1968.
  • Guenther, Ben, Miller, Jay, and Panopalis, Terry,, North American X-15/X-15A-2, Aerofax, Arlington, Texas, 1985.
  • Miller, Jay,, The X-Planes, Aerofax, Arlington, Texas, 1988.


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