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This is an unflown Q-ball nosecone, cutaway to show the internal components. Built by Northrup and Hydraulic Research Manufacturing Co., these nosecones were placed at the front of U.S. X-15 rocket powered aircraft and served as an inertial flight data system capable of functioning in a highly dynamic pressure environment. X-15s were flown from 1959-1968 and set the world's unofficial speed and altitude records of 4,250 mph (Mach 6.7) and 354,200 feet in a program to investigate all aspects of piloted hypersonic flight. This Q-ball was transferred to NASM by NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in 1974.

 Display Status

This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Object Details
Country of Origin United States of America Type CRAFT-Aircraft Parts Manufacturer Hydraulic Research & Manufacturing Co., Inc.
Northrop
 Dimensions Overall (nosecone): 1 ft. 1 1/2 in. tall x 10 in. wide x 1 ft. 6 in. long (34.3 x 45.72cm)
Support (stand): 1 ft. 6 in. long x 10 in. wide (45.7 x 25.4cm)
 Materials Base ring - aluminum
Components - plastic and metal internal electronics
Case shell - plexiglass
Stand - wood
Support cradle - plexiglass
 Inventory Number A19940095000 Credit Line Transferred from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
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