F-5 F-22 X-15 Videos References Links Aviation Index Home     North American X-5 The X-15 is a rocket powered research aircraft. The bullet-shaped aircraft is very aerodynamic. The X-15 was created for high-speed and high-altitude testing. Pilots mounted in the X-15 have to wear space suits to survive the trip. For a flight test, the X-15 is strapped under the wing of a B-52 Stratofortress. With the X-15 under the wing the B-52 takes flight. A safe altitude is reached, and the X-15 is dropped. Almost instantly the XLR99 rocket engine is ignited. The aircraft accelerates away from the B-52. Now clear of the carrier aircraft, the pilot tips the nose almost vertical. It only takes the X-15 130 seconds to reach cruise altitude at 350,000 feet. At 350,000 ft. the X-15 starts it speed run gaining as much speed as possible. The X-15 is the holder of the world aircraft speed record at 4,570 MPH. The rockets burn fuel quickly and only burn for a few minutes. Later in its flight test career side fuel tanks were added for extra range. Once the engines use all the fuel, the X-15 will begin to glide. To save space and weigth the X-15 does not carry an undercarrige (landing gear). Instead a skid was added to the back of the aircraft for landing. On a normal flight the X-15 will cover 280 miles in less than 20 minutes. Basic Specifications: Type: Research Aircraft Length: 50 ft. (15.24 m) Wing Span: 22 ft. (6.71 m) Height: 13 ft. 6 in. (4.12 m) Powerplant: XLR99 rocket engine with a thrust of 57,000 lb (25855.2 kg). Maximum Speed: 4,570 MPH (7354.501 KPH) Operational Range: 280 miles (450.604 km) Max Ceiling: 350,000 ft. (106679.9 m) Empty Weight: 18,000 lb. (8164.8 kg) Loaded Weight: 34,000 lb. (15422 kg) Weapons: None