• Two narrow tail pipes on back side of black titanium North American X-15 aircraft
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    The North American X-15 rocket-powered research aircraft bridged the gap between manned flight within the atmosphere and manned flight beyond the atmosphere into space. After completing its initial test flights in 1959, the X-15 became the first winged aircraft to attain velocities of Mach 4, 5, and 6. Highlighted in this image are the rocket engine of the North American X-15.

  • Two narrow tail pipes on back side of black titanium North American X-15 aircraft

Created:

March 07, 2018

Photographer:

Eric Long

ID#:

A19690360000-NASM2018-10057

Source:

Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum

Owner:

Smithsonian Institution

Rights Usage:

CC0 (Open Access)

Terms of Use:

Smithsonian Terms of Use

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