NORTH AMERICAN X-15 by Mike Hill



Aircraft #3 of the X Series

------------------------------------



AIRCRAFT INFORMATION

There were three X-15s produced by North American, allocated the

serial numbers 56-6670, 71 and 72.  The original design concept

called for an aircraft able to reach Mach +6.6 at an altitude of

+250,000.



Briefly, the history of each aircraft was:



6670 the first aircraft built and responsible for much of the flight

     testing carried out on this type.  It is now an exhibit at the 

     Smithsonian in Washington, DC.  



6671 the second aircraft built.  It was involved in an accident on

     November 9, 1962 that nearly destroyed it.  It was re-built by

     North American as the X-15A-2 with a new power plant and re-

     designed forward fuselage.  This aircraft is now an exhibit at

     the USAF Museum, Dayton, OH.



6672 the third aircraft.  First flew on December 20, 1961 and was totally

     destroyed in an accident on November 15, 1968 unfortunately killing

     the pilot Maj. Michael Adams



The three aircraft made a total of 199 flights. For the first time

for a conventional aircraft Astronaut wings were awarded to the pilots 

of the later flights.  Milestones were 4,104mph and an altitude of 

314,750' for the X-15 and 4,534mph and an altitude of 354,200' for the

X-15A.



It is on record that prior to the fatal crash of 6672 the aircraft had

turned ninety degrees at Mach 5 then entered a spin (still at Mach 5)

that took it from 230,000' to 125,000'.  During this time the aircraft

experienced alternating loads of + & - 15g.  It then entered a straight

dive, began ocillating, and disintegrated.  This accident was caused by

the pilot inadvertantly exceeding the allowable bank angle.



The aircraft had a rocket burn of 141 secs.  After this time I suggest you

turn the engine off (Control+Shift+F1) and begin your approach.



I painted the cockpit on and,

though this can look a little odd from some angles, it looks realistic 

enough to pass.  I hope you agree.



A lot of work has gone into this aircraft and while you are welcome

to change anything you want to via the AFX file, I would ask that 

appropriate credit always be given to the Designer in the main file.

It must remain freeware to all.



No responsibility accepted for any vagaries in your system.



Any comments will be appreciated (and answered).



Mike Hill - Australia

INTERNET: mikehill@flightsim.com

HOMEPAGE: http://www.flightsimnetwork.com/mikehill/home.htm



Visit FlightSim.Com to find all my releases and a huge range of 

Flight Sim aircraft, panels, associated files and related products. 

"The best on the Net".

