 | X-15A-2
Credit - NASA
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Rocketplane. Year: 1964. Family: Air-Launched. Country: USA. Status: Out of production. Manned hypersonic research rocket aircraft. Stretched rebuild of crashed X-15A, with drop tanks. Reached Mach 6.7 and 108 km altitude. Manufacturer: North American. Launches: 46. Failures: 23. Success Rate: 50.00%. First Launch Date: 1964-06-15. Last Launch Date: 1967-10-03. Launch data is: complete. 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).
Stage Data - X-15A-2 - Stage Number: 0. 1 x Stage: NB-52. Gross Mass: 177,273 kg (390,820 lb). Empty Mass: 70,545 kg (155,525 lb). Thrust (vac): 430.472 kN (96,774 lbf). Isp: 5,142 sec. Burn time: 48,000 sec. Isp(sl): 4,675 sec. Diameter: 14.72 m (48.29 ft). Span: 56.40 m (185.00 ft). Length: 47.74 m (156.62 ft). Propellants: Air/Kerosene. No Engines: 8. Engine: J57-19. Status: Out of production. Boeing Bomber-swept wing. Maximum release conditions: Wing mounted, 25,000 kg (19.1 m length x 6.7 m span) at 880 kph at 11,448 m altitude
- Stage Number: 1. 2 x Stage: X-15A-2 Tanks. Gross Mass: 7,026 kg (15,489 lb). Empty Mass: 902 kg (1,988 lb). Thrust (vac): 0 N ( lbf). Isp: 276 sec. Burn time: 55 sec. Isp(sl): 239 sec. Diameter: 0.98 m (3.21 ft). Span: 0.98 m (3.21 ft). Length: 6.86 m (22.50 ft). Propellants: Lox/Ammonia. No Engines: 0. Engine: None. Status: Out of production.
- Stage Number: 2. 1 x Stage: X-15A-2. Gross Mass: 16,069 kg (35,426 lb). Empty Mass: 7,766 kg (17,121 lb). Thrust (vac): 262.445 kN (59,000 lbf). Isp: 276 sec. Burn time: 90 sec. Isp(sl): 239 sec. Diameter: 1.42 m (4.65 ft). Span: 6.80 m (22.30 ft). Length: 15.47 m (50.75 ft). Propellants: Lox/Ammonia. No Engines: 1. Engine: XLR-99. Status: Out of production.
X-15A-2 Chronology 1964 June 15 - Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Complex: RW04. Launch Pad: NB-52 003. Launch Vehicle: X-15A-2. LV Configuration: X-15 2- C-53. - X-15A-2 Carry test mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi). X-15 captive flight (X-15A-2 modification) References: 772.
1964 June 23 - Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Complex: RW04. Launch Pad: NB-52 003. Launch Vehicle: X-15A-2. LV Configuration: X-15 2- A-54. FAILURE: Failure. - X-15A-2 Stability Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi). X-15 aborted launch (Stability) References: 772.
1964 June 25 - 17:34 GMT - Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Vehicle: X-15A-2. LV Configuration: X-15 2-32-55. - X-15A-2 Stability Test mission Nation: USA. Program: X-15. Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: X-15A-2. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 25 km (15 mi). Flight Crew: Rushworth. Maximum Speed - 4994 kph. Maximum Altitude - 25390 m. First flight of X-15 No. 2 in X-15A-2 configuration, but without drop tanks. References: 38, 49, 97, 772.
1964 August 14 - 17:54 GMT - Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Vehicle: X-15A-2. LV Configuration: X-15 2-33-56. FAILURE: Nose gear deployed at Mach 4.2. - X-15A-2 Stability Test mission Nation: USA. Program: X-15. Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: X-15A-2. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 31 km (19 mi). Flight Crew: Rushworth. Maximum Speed - 5776 kph. Maximum Altitude - 31486 m. Nose landing gear extended at Mach 4.5. Both tires blew on landing. References: 38, 49, 97, 772.
1964 September 29 - 21:00 GMT - Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Vehicle: X-15A-2. LV Configuration: X-15 2-34-57. FAILURE: Nose gear scoop door causes handling difficulties. - X-15A-2 Stab.,Star tracker Test mission Nation: USA. Program: X-15. Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: X-15A-2. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 29 km (18 mi). Flight Crew: Rushworth. Maximum Speed - 5699 kph. Maximum Altitude - 29809 m. References: 38, 49, 97, 772.
1964 November 6 - Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Complex: RW04. Launch Pad: NB-52 003. Launch Vehicle: X-15A-2. LV Configuration: X-15 2- C-58. - X-15A-2 Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi). X-15 captive flight References: 772.
1964 November 16 - Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Complex: RW04. Launch Pad: NB-52 003. Launch Vehicle: X-15A-2. LV Configuration: X-15 2- C-59. - X-15A-2 Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi). X-15 captive flight References: 772.
1964 November 30 - 20:09 GMT - Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Vehicle: X-15A-2. LV Configuration: X-15 2-35-60. - X-15A-2 Gear mod, Stab,ST Test mission Nation: USA. Program: X-15. Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: X-15A-2. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 26 km (16 mi). Flight Crew: McKay. Maximum Speed - 4970 kph. Maximum Altitude - 26579 m. References: 38, 49, 97, 772.
1965 February 15 - Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Complex: RW04. Launch Pad: NB-52 003. Launch Vehicle: X-15A-2. LV Configuration: X-15 2- C-62. - X-15A-2 Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi). X-15 captive flight References: 772.
1965 February 15 - Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Complex: RW04. Launch Pad: NB-52 003. Launch Vehicle: X-15A-2. LV Configuration: X-15 2- C-61. - X-15A-2 Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi). X-15 captive flight References: 772.
1965 February 17 - 18:44 GMT - Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Vehicle: X-15A-2. LV Configuration: X-15 2-36-63. FAILURE: Landing skid extends at Mach 4.3. - X-15A-2 Stability Test mission Nation: USA. Program: X-15. Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: X-15A-2. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 29 km (18 mi). Flight Crew: Rushworth. Maximum Speed - 5649 kph. Maximum Altitude - 28986 m. Right main landing gear extended at Mach 4.1; normal landing. References: 38, 49, 97, 772.
1965 April 28 - 20:26 GMT - Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Vehicle: X-15A-2. LV Configuration: X-15 2-37-64. - X-15A-2 Landing loads,Stab Test mission Nation: USA. Program: X-15. Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: X-15A-2. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 28 km (17 mi). Flight Crew: McKay. Maximum Speed - 5266 kph. Maximum Altitude - 28224 m. First star tracker checkout. References: 38, 49, 97, 772.
1965 May 13 - Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Complex: RW04. Launch Pad: NB-52 003. Launch Vehicle: X-15A-2. LV Configuration: X-15 2- A-65. FAILURE: Launch abort. - X-15A-2 aborted launch. Nation: USA. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi). References: 772.
1965 May 18 - 17:56 GMT - Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Vehicle: X-15A-2. LV Configuration: X-15 2-38-66. - X-15A-2 Stab, landing, ST Test mission Nation: USA. Program: X-15. Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: X-15A-2. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 31 km (19 mi). Flight Crew: McKay. Maximum Speed - 5697 kph. Maximum Altitude - 31120 m. References: 38, 49, 97, 772.
1965 June 4 - Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Complex: RW04. Launch Pad: NB-52 003. Launch Vehicle: X-15A-2. LV Configuration: X-15 2- A-67. FAILURE: Launch abort. - X-15A-2 aborted launch. Nation: USA. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi). References: 772.
1965 June 8 - Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Complex: RW04. Launch Pad: NB-52 003. Launch Vehicle: X-15A-2. LV Configuration: X-15 2- A-68. FAILURE: Launch abort. - X-15A-2 aborted launch. Nation: USA. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi). References: 772.
1965 June 11 - Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Complex: RW04. Launch Pad: NB-52 003. Launch Vehicle: X-15A-2. LV Configuration: X-15 2- A-69. FAILURE: Launch abort. - X-15A-2 aborted launch. Nation: USA. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi). References: 772.
1965 June 22 - 17:44 GMT - Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Vehicle: X-15A-2. LV Configuration: X-15 2-39-70. - X-15A-2 Stability,ST,gear Test mission Nation: USA. Program: X-15. Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: X-15A-2. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 47 km (29 mi). Flight Crew: McKay. Maximum Speed - 6336 kph. Maximum Altitude - 47518 m. References: 38, 49, 97, 772.
1965 July 2 - Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Complex: RW04. Launch Pad: NB-52 003. Launch Vehicle: X-15A-2. LV Configuration: X-15 2- A-71. FAILURE: Launch abort. - X-15A-2 aborted launch. Nation: USA. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi). References: 772.
1965 July 8 - 17:16 GMT - Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Vehicle: X-15A-2. LV Configuration: X-15 2-40-72. - X-15A-2 ST,Landing,Alt Test mission Nation: USA. Program: X-15. Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: X-15A-2. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 64 km (39 mi). Flight Crew: McKay. Maximum Speed - 5887 kph. Maximum Altitude - 64800 m. Star tracker mission to photograph Gamma Cassiopeia. References: 38, 49, 97, 772.
1965 August 3 - 20:40 GMT - Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Vehicle: X-15A-2. LV Configuration: X-15 2-41-73. - X-15A-2 RAS,ST,Landing Test mission Nation: USA. Program: X-15. Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: X-15A-2. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 63 km (39 mi). Flight Crew: Rushworth. Maximum Speed - 5796 kph. Maximum Altitude - 63612 m. References: 38, 49, 97, 772.
1965 September 2 - 17:40 GMT - Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Vehicle: X-15A-2. LV Configuration: X-15 2-42-74. - X-15A-2 RAS,ST,Landing Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 73 km (45 mi). X-15 Flight 146 (RAS,ST,Landing) References: 772.
1965 September 22 - 18:58 GMT - Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Vehicle: X-15A-2. LV Configuration: X-15 1-59-98. - X-15A-2 Infrared Scanner test mission Nation: USA. Program: X-15. Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: X-15A-2. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 30 km (18 mi). Flight Crew: McKay. Maximum Speed - 5744 kph. Maximum Altitude - 73091 m. References: 38, 49, 97, 772.
1965 November 3 - 17:09 GMT - Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Vehicle: X-15A-2. LV Configuration: X-15 2-43-75. - X-15A-2 External Tank Test mission Nation: USA. Program: X-15. Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: X-15A-2. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 21 km (13 mi). Flight Crew: Rushworth. First flight with empty external tanks. Ammonia tank recovered; Lox tank destroyed. Maximum Speed - 2414 kph. Maximum Altitude - 21520 m. References: 38, 49, 97, 772.
1966 April 13 - Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Complex: RW04. Launch Pad: NB-52 003. Launch Vehicle: X-15A-2. LV Configuration: X-15 2- A-76. FAILURE: Launch abort. - X-15A-2 aborted launch. Nation: USA. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi). References: 772.
1966 April 20 - Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Complex: RW04. Launch Pad: NB-52 003. Launch Vehicle: X-15A-2. LV Configuration: X-15 2- A-77. FAILURE: Launch abort. - X-15A-2 aborted launch. Nation: USA. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi). References: 772.
1966 May 5 - Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Complex: RW04. Launch Pad: NB-52 003. Launch Vehicle: X-15A-2. LV Configuration: X-15 2- A-78. FAILURE: Launch abort. - X-15A-2 aborted launch. Nation: USA. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi). References: 772.
1966 May 18 - 18:24 GMT - Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Vehicle: X-15A-2. LV Configuration: X-15 2-44-79. - X-15A-2 V-On Stab Test mission Nation: USA. Program: X-15. Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: X-15A-2. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 30 km (18 mi). Flight Crew: Rushworth. Maximum Speed - 5936 kph. Maximum Altitude - 30170 m. References: 38, 49, 97, 772.
1966 June 27 - Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Complex: RW04. Launch Pad: NB-52 003. Launch Vehicle: X-15A-2. LV Configuration: X-15 2- C-80. - X-15A-2 External Tank Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi). X-15 captive flight (External Tank Test) References: 772.
1966 July 1 - 19:02 GMT - Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Vehicle: X-15A-2. LV Configuration: X-15 2-45-81. FAILURE: Erroneous failure indication results in emergency landing at Mud Lake. - X-15A-2 External Tank Test mission Nation: USA. Program: X-15. Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: X-15A-2. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 13 km (8 mi). Flight Crew: Rushworth. 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. References: 38, 49, 97, 772.
1966 July 20 - Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Complex: RW04. Launch Pad: NB-52 003. Launch Vehicle: X-15A-2. LV Configuration: X-15 2- A-82. FAILURE: Launch abort. - X-15A-2 aborted launch. Nation: USA. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi). References: 772.
1966 July 21 - 20:02 GMT - Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Vehicle: X-15A-2. LV Configuration: X-15 2-46-83. - X-15A-2 Alt,ST,Abl TPS Test mission Nation: USA. Program: X-15. Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: X-15A-2. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 58 km (36 mi). Flight Crew: Knight. Maximum Speed - 5741 kph. Maximum Altitude - 58610 m. References: 38, 49, 97, 772.
1966 August 3 - 16:45 GMT - Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Vehicle: X-15A-2. LV Configuration: X-15 2-47-84. - X-15A-2 ST, Base drag Test mission Nation: USA. Program: X-15. Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: X-15A-2. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 75 km (46 mi). Flight Crew: Knight. Maximum Speed - 5535 kph. Maximum Altitude - 75890 m. UV photos of stars in Auriga. References: 38, 49, 97, 772.
1966 August 12 - 18:25 GMT - Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Vehicle: X-15A-2. LV Configuration: X-15 2-48-85. - X-15A-2 ST,Pitot,Base drag Test mission Nation: USA. Program: X-15. Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: X-15A-2. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 70 km (43 mi). Flight Crew: Knight. Maximum Speed - 5586 kph. Maximum Altitude - 70440 m. References: 38, 49, 97, 772.
1966 August 30 - 17:51 GMT - Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Vehicle: X-15A-2. LV Configuration: 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 Nation: USA. Program: X-15. Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: X-15A-2. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 31 km (19 mi). Flight Crew: Knight. Maximum Speed - 5701 kph. Maximum Altitude - 30540 m. References: 38, 49, 97, 772.
1966 October 7 - Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Complex: RW04. Launch Pad: NB-52 003. Launch Vehicle: X-15A-2. LV Configuration: X-15 2- A-87. FAILURE: Launch abort. - X-15A-2 aborted launch. Nation: USA. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi). References: 772.
1966 October 19 - Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Complex: RW04. Launch Pad: NB-52 003. Launch Vehicle: X-15A-2. LV Configuration: X-15 2- A-88. FAILURE: Launch abort. - X-15A-2 aborted launch. Nation: USA. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi). References: 772.
1966 November 18 - 21:24 GMT - Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Vehicle: X-15A-2. LV Configuration: X-15 2-50-89. - X-15A-2 ET/TPS/Maurer/Mach 6 Test/Ultraviolet Astronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 30 km (18 mi). X-15 Flight 175 (ET/TPS/Maurer/Mach 6) References: 772.
1966 November 18 - Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Complex: RW04. Launch Pad: NB-52 003. Launch Vehicle: X-15A-2. LV Configuration: X-15 3- A-84. FAILURE: Failure. - X-15A-2 Test mission Nation: USA. Program: X-15. Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: X-15A-2. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi). Flight Crew: Knight. Unofficial world's speed record. Maximum Speed - 6838 kph. Maximum Altitude - 30140 m. References: 38, 49, 97, 772.
1967 May 5 - Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Complex: RW04. Launch Pad: NB-52 003. Launch Vehicle: X-15A-2. LV Configuration: X-15 2- A-91. FAILURE: Launch abort. - X-15A-2 aborted launch. Nation: USA. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi). References: 772.
1967 May 8 - 19:27 GMT - Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Vehicle: X-15A-2. LV Configuration: X-15 2-51-92. FAILURE: Eyelid installed on one window; other window fogs up. - X-15A-2 Ramjet flow Test mission Nation: USA. Program: X-15. Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: X-15A-2. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 29 km (18 mi). Flight Crew: Knight. Maximum Speed - 5138 kph. Maximum Altitude - 29750 m. Check out of stability and control with ramjet pod. References: 38, 49, 97, 772.
1967 August 7 - Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Complex: RW04. Launch Pad: NB-52 003. Launch Vehicle: X-15A-2. LV Configuration: X-15 2- C-93. - X-15A-2 Ramjet flow Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi). X-15 captive flight (Ramjet flow) References: 772.
1967 August 11 - Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Complex: RW04. Launch Pad: NB-52 003. Launch Vehicle: X-15A-2. LV Configuration: X-15 2- A-94. FAILURE: Failure. - X-15A-2 Ramjet flow Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi). X-15 aborted launch (Ramjet flow) References: 772.
1967 August 16 - Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Complex: RW04. Launch Pad: NB-52 003. Launch Vehicle: X-15A-2. LV Configuration: X-15 2- A-95. FAILURE: Launch abort. - X-15A-2 aborted launch. Nation: USA. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi). References: 772.
1967 August 21 - 17:59 GMT - Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Vehicle: X-15A-2. LV Configuration: X-15 2-52-96. - X-15A-2 Ramjet/Hycon/TPS Test/Imaging mission? Nation: USA. Program: X-15. Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: X-15A-2. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 27 km (16 mi). Flight Crew: Knight. First test with full ablative coating, ramjet pod. Maximum Speed - 5419 kph. Maximum Altitude - 27740 m. References: 38, 49, 97, 772.
1967 October 3 - 21:31 GMT - Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Vehicle: X-15A-2. LV Configuration: X-15 2-53-97. FAILURE: Heat flow from dummy ramjet nearly burns tail off. - X-15A-2 TPS/Ramjet/Mach 6.7 Test mission Nation: USA. Program: X-15. Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: X-15A-2. Agency: NASA/USAF. Apogee: 31 km (19 mi). Flight Crew: Knight. Unofficial world speed record (full ablative coating, dummy ramjet, mechanical eyelid). Maximum Speed - 7273 kph. Maximum Altitude - 31120 m. References: 38, 49, 97, 772.
Bibliography and Further Reading - McDowell, Jonathan, Jonathan's Space Home Page, Harvard University, 1997-present. Jonathan McDowell's complete on-line listing of all objects orbited and over 20,000 rocket launches Accessed at: http://www.planet4589.org/jsr.html.
- Gatland, Kenneth, Manned Spacecraft, Macmillan, New York, 1968. ISBN: 0025428209. First of a marvelous series of pocket-size hardbacks covering spacecraft and rocketry. More at amazon.com...
- Guenther, Ben, Miller, Jay, and Panopalis, Terry,, North American X-15/X-15A-2, Aerofax, Arlington, Texas, 1985. ISBN: 0942548345. Comprehensive and technically excellent account of the X-15 program. More at amazon.com...
- Miller, Jay,, The X-Planes, Aerofax, Arlington, Texas, 1988. ISBN: 1857801091. Tremendous account of the entire X- experimental series of US aircraft, including the rocket planes X-1, X-15, and X-20. Another outstanding Jay Miller book. More at amazon.com...
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