X-15 OPERATIONS FLIGHT REPORT



FLIGHT NO: 3-8-16 DATE OF REPORT: August 9, 1962

PILOT: J. A. Walker DATE OF FLIGHT: August 2, 1962

CARRIER AIRCRAFT: B-52 #003 LAUNCH LAKE: Mud Lake
 
 

I. Discussion of Previous Operations

None II. Aircraft Configuration Changes A. Reset cabin pressure switch to actuate at 36,500 foot altitude. With the switch set above the cockpit regulator operating point, the system operated normally during flight. No loss of cabin pressure was experienced. III. Instrumentation Changes Since Last Flight A. TM keyer was replaced when the unit was found to be out of spec.

B. A "Q" meter was installed on the pilots instrument panel.

C. TM transducers were cold soaked to aid in locating the short on TM attributed to low temperatures. The #2 hydraulic system pressure transducer was discovered by the above means to be the cause of the short.

 IV. Preflight Events A. Engine Change

A review of the data obtained from the ground run on 7/25/62 showed that pressure switch S-29 did not function properly during one of its operations. Also it was observed that the purge network did not operate correctly and that there was a slight pump oscillation before the engine start. Engine S/N 103 was removed and engine S/N 107 installed. During the engine run on 7/27/62, a pump oscillation was again noticed. The H202 tank was then reserviced and the oscillation did not occur. The swing spout in the engine H2O2 tank was inspected and a leak was found. After replacing the swing spout another pump run was made on 7/27/62 with no evidence of pump oscillation.

B. NH3 Safety Valve Change

During the engine run on 7/27/62, an NH3 leak was observed at the mating flange on the engine NH3 safety valve. The valve was changed and no leak was observed during the pump run on 7/28/62.

C. B-52 LOX Vent Valve Inoperative

During the taxi out for the attempted flight 3-A-l5 the B-5 LOX vent valve for the cruise tank would not close. The B-52 returned to the service area and heat was applied to the valve from an external source. The valve then closed normally and the flight was continued after reservicing the B-52 with LN2 and source pressure.

D. The attempted flight 3-A-15 was aborted on 8/l/62 due to being unable to read NH3 tank pressure on the pilots panel and TM console. An apparent freezing of the sense line going to these transducers was believed to be the cause. A separate line was routed to the pilots NH3 tank pressure transducer and all the lines purged. No abnormal operation was observed during flight 3-8-16.

 V. Flight Events A. Pitch Angle Reversal

The pitch angle set indicator was replaced when the unit exhibited a polarity reversal during flight. This reversal was attributed to a malfunction of the polarity reversing micro-switch mechanism.

B. H202 Leakage Observed After Landing

An excessive amount of H202 was noticed coming out of the Yaw-Pitch H202 valve drain. It was determined that the MH system Yaw-Pitch BCS valve was leaking. This valve has been changed.
 

 Approved By: Prepared by:

Perry V. Row John G. McTigue

X-15 Senior Project Engineer X-15 Project Engineer