X-15 OPERATIONS FLIGHT REPORT



FLIGHT NO: 1-40-64 DATE OF REPORT: 11/20/63

PILOT: M.O. Thompson DATE OF FLIGHT: 10/29/63

CARRIER AIRCRAFT: B-52 #008 LAUNCH LAKE: Hidden Hills

PURPOSE OF FLIGHT: 1. Pilot Checkout  2. Optical Degradation Experiment

Demonstration

I. Discussion of Previous Operations

A. The KS-25 experiment shutter assembly was again returned to Fairchild for curtain and ribbon replacement.

B. The ART 15A mount did not uncage during the previous flight due to loss of 115V AC power. A broken connection at the elevator disconnect was the cause.

 II. Aircraft Configuration Changes A. The ablation coating applied for the previous flight was completely removed except the lower ventral precast leading edge. New material was applied to the RH lower speed brake and ablation putty was used to smooth the leading edge piece transition.

B. The K5-25 experiment cooling ring was removed to prevent the possibility of temperature gradients in the experiment structure.

 III. Instrumentation Changes A. A self-contained vacuum system was incorporated on the experiment elevator to eliminate the overboard sense line. Concern was expressed over freezing of the sense line causing the vacuum discrepancies noted in KC-l experience and previous KS-25 operations.

B. The experiment operation mode switch was modified to replace the previous three-position switch with a two-position variety.

C. Provisions for recording the ART 15A mount axis vibrations were completed.

 IV. Preflight Events A. Engine S/N 107 was qualified for flight without an engine run. Partial deterioration of the pump/turbine housing seal was evident, but leakage was not sufficient to require attention prior to flight.

B. Three lox tank regulator installations were made before an acceptable component was obtained. Two regulators were replaced, one for higher than normal source unlock pressure and the second for external leakage. The original regulator was removed to support X-15-3.

C. Rain on October 16, 1963 required flight reschedule and a repeat of the aircraft preflight.

 V. Flight Events A. The pilot's blood pressure recording system was inoperative during prelaunch checks and the flight.

B. The side-stick trim knob friction was inadequate, requiring continuing pilot attention.

C. The delta-cross-range pilot's display was inoperative. Review of preflight adjustments and procedures revealed the system null point was wrong, causing the apparent malfunction.
 
 
 
 

 Approved by: Prepared by:

Perry V. Row Ronald S. Waite

Senior X-15 Project Engineer X-15 Project Engineer