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The entire present team of X-15 research pilots includes, from left to right, John B. McKay (NASA), Joseph A. Walker (NASA), Milton O. Thompson (NASA), Maj. Robert A. Rushworth (USAF), and Capt. Joe H. Engle (USAF). Previous X-15 pilots at various times were A. Scott Crossfield (NAA), Neil A. Armstrong (NASA), Lt. Comdr. Forrest S. Petersen (USN), and Maj. Robert M. White (USAF). |
![]() | Chief Research Pilot Joseph A. Walker, of NASA's Flight Research Center, Edwards, Calif., stands beside an X-15 in full-pressure suit, the type that provides all X-15 pilots with livable atmosphere during flight. The dark tube attached to Walker leads to a portable unit that supplies each pressure-suit wearer with essential air-conditioning on the ground. |
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The X-15's long and valuable research program has been marred by only three serious accidents, none of which involved a latality. One was an explosion and fire on a test stand. The others are shown here. Above: a fuselage split open an landing after two unrelated system failures precipitated a major structural failure. The plane was back in the air within three months. Below: another dual failure made the landing gear collapse at touchdown, swerving the plane into a crippling, high-speed rollover and injuring the pilot, John B. McKay. The pilot fully recovered; the airplane was rebuilt (shown here). |
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