X-15 OPERATIONS FLIGHT REPORT



FLIGHT NO: 1-71-121 DATE OF REPORT: 5/5/67

PILOT: Maj. Mike Adams DATE OF FLIGHT: 4/28/67

CARRIER AIRCRAFT: B-52 #003 LAUNCH LAKE: Delamar

ENGINE SERIAL: 104 APU #1 16AN APU #2 20AN

PURPOSE OF FLIGHT: 1. Altitude Buildup
 

2. WTR Experiment Checkout

3. Horizon Scanner Checkout

4. Third Skid Checkout

5. IRIG Timer


I. Discussion of Previous Operations

A. Review of the data from the previous flight indicated somewhat erratic operation of the rocket engine governor control. The engine (S/N 108) was removed and replaced with S/N 104.

B. An extensive check of all inertial system components was made following the total failure during the last flight. One intermittent condition was noted on a circuit card in the computer. During an environmental test of that same computer the unit failed completely and has been sent to overhaul.

 II. Configuration Changes A. The two wafer crushable honeycomb skid snubber was installed and rigged on the main landing gear. This installation is identical to that used in X-15-2.

B. The WTR experiment was installed.

 III. Preflight Events A. Evidence of a delamination in the LH inner windshield glass was noted and the windshield was replaced.

B. During the engine ground run, Wednesday, 4/12/67, a steam leak was observed at the gas generator case flange. The run was canceled and the engine removed for replacement of the flange seal. A second run was made on Friday, 4/14/67. The run was good although some Lox was noted leaking from the pump relief line fitting at the pump case. A new seal was installed on this fitting, and a pump run was made on Monday, 4/17/67, to test the seal. No leaks occurred and the flight was scheduled for Thursday, 4/20/67.

C. Adverse weather conditions at the launch lake caused an abort (l-A-120) on Thursday, 4/20/67. During this captive flight the motor generator which supplies power to the inertial system overcooled, and the orifice in the LN2 feed line was changed from .040 to .028 diameter. Owing to a scheduled B-70 flight and a priority flight on X-15-3, flight 1-71-121 was rescheduled for Friday, 4/28/67.

 IV. Flight Events A. Flight 1-71-121 was made on Friday, 4/28/67. Servicing was normal and system operation in flight generally good except for the following squawks:
  1. The motor generator overheated. On the next flight a slightly larger cooling orifice will be used.

2. Operation of the pitch angle vernier and the inertial speed indicator was erratic.


B. During the flight the planned peak altitude was not reached and the WTR experiment was not deployed due to its operational "Q" limitation of approximately 170,000 feet. During post flight inspection the WTR power circuit breakers were found open, and two power diodes in the WTR equipment burned. The experiment has been taken to the lab for detailed inspection.
 
 
 
 

 Approved by: Prepared by:

Perry V. Row William P. Albrecht

X-15 Senior Project Engineer X-15 Project Engineer