X-15 ROCKET PLANE: The Final Years

Link to PART 1: • NORTH AMERICAN'S X-15 ...
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[@kevinbaird9763]

Scott Crossfield would be fully suited up and in the cockpit of the X-15 even if it was unlikely that the mission would launch. He wouldn't get out until the mission was officially scrubbed, sometimes 6 hours or more. He did this so that the ground crew would see that he was dedicated, and that he believed the crew deserved the recognition of their hard work and dedication. A class act. Another fine presentation Mike. Thank You.

[@anthonyb5279]

I really liked working with Scott. He appreciated my hard work. I got to work with him on the Centennial of Flight and some studies of the X-15 program.

[@x15galmichelleevans]

@@anthonyb5279 Yes, Scotty was a great guy. I never got to work with him, but spoke with him several times over the years when researching my book on the X-15. When I first interviewed him, he was working with the House Science subcommittee, and was heavily involved with getting funding for the X-30 Aerospaceplane project. He really wanted to see that come to fruition, and would have been even better because of the fact that the chief pilot for that program was Joe Engle, also from the X-15. He was devastated when it was finally cancelled, as happened to all follo-on programs to the X-15. The last time I saw him was in December 2003 at the Centennial of Flight. So glad that you got to work with him on that project.

[@Arturo-lapaz]

what happened to the second reply?

[@anthonyb5279]

@@Arturo-lapaz May have been a bot that was deleted.

[@benstaubyn]

The Metric system is also appreciated.

[@user-ti6xo4sq6v]

Scott C. was such a good man. Just super easy to talk to. The X-15 was a huge achievement even to hear him talk about it, but he always looked to the future and always felt there was a need for a man (person) to be in the loop. It didn't matter how educated you were or weren't. He would speak to you like a peer. This aircraft/spacecraft is still a modern miracle. When we hear about Russian hypersonic advances, remember America was going hypersonic with a man in the cockpit, back in the 1960s!

[@robertdragoff6909]

Good to see the man behind the voice! I didn’t know about how many variations there were of the X15. Like the Delta wing or the scram jet one. I also didn’t know how fast it could fly. Above Mach 5! Anyway, great video

[@x15galmichelleevans]

Yes, the X-15 routinely flew past Mach 5, and also made several missions above Mach 6, topping out with Mach 6.70. If they had continued the program the intent was eventually to go for as high as Mach 8, but it probably would not have gotten quite that fast. With the ablative covering in place (and thus the extra weight) they probably would have gotten to about Mach 7.2 or 7.3, max.

[@pfield39]

Another great presentation Mike. In the very early sixties when I was a plane mad kid in Wales, my older sister, who lives in the US, used to send me plastic kits which were not available in the UK for Xmas and birthday presents. I once received a set of small scale X plane models, including the X-15. I never dreamed of ever seeing such exotic flying machines in the flesh (metal). When I eventually did visit the collection of X planes at Dayton and the X-15 at the Smithsonian earlier this century I remembered those tiny kits and got quite emotional in the presence of the real things. Even in my old age I am still fascinated by the hardware of space and high speed flight.

[@celebratingaviationwithmik9782]

Same here and thanks for the comment. Wonderful story!

[@williamscoggin1509]

As a kid I had a large Air Force issued print of the x-15 hanging on my wall that my uncle gave me. I never realized how many variations this aircraft went through during its lifetime.

[@burntsider8457]

Machat's documentaries are the best. Loaded with details and devoid of gimmicks. Thank you for producing them. Respectfully,

[@celebratingaviationwithmik9782]

Appreciate the comment, thanks!

[@hangie65]

Great and informative video, Mr Machat. Your work does justice to the X-15, a pioneering aircraft that has not got the recognition it deserves.

[@celebratingaviationwithmik9782]

Appreciate the comment, thanks!

[@davidshell1738]

Good morning Mike☕️ Another amazing presentation I’ve always loved the X -15 I wish I still had that Topping model of the X-15 my dad gave me There is a memorial for Major Adams at the X-15 crash site that was put together by an Eagle Scout. Its off of Trona Road, above 395 Thank you Mike

[@x15galmichelleevans]

Glad that you've had a chance to visit the Mike Adams memorial. That was initially created by Eagle Scout John Bodyleski, and we have greatly expanded the site over the years. It is quite remarkable how much has changed there since the initial dedication in 2004. Next May will mark the 20th anniversary of that dedication. Hopefully we will be able to set up some sort of ceremony to mark the occasion. The last major event we did there was in November 2017 to mark the 50th anniversary of the loss of Mike. It was amazing to have hundreds of people out there in the desert to celebrate his life and achievements.

[@darkwood777]

The X-15 is no longer at the NASM. It is in long term storage and refurbishment.

[@eichfelder1951]

Mr. Machat, your videos are always a pleasure to watch. Very informative, well edited, and with great narration.

[@celebratingaviationwithmik9782]

Appreciate the comment, thanks!

[@newdefsys]

From the first flight of the NAA P-51 to the first flight of the NAA X-15 in only 19 years.

[@celebratingaviationwithmik9782]

Great point, thanks!

[@rjosephobrien]

Thank you, Mike. I always enjoy your videos. The X-15 program really got this young boy living in Palmdale excited about aviation. It was one of the very first models I ever built.

[@papadopp3870]

As a teen in Palmdale, my biggest thing wouldda been gettin’ a 3-hr ride & back to the OC beaches to meet girls. But, yeah, having jets and rocket planes taking their first steps toward space had to be the best!

[@celebratingaviationwithmik9782]

Very cool and thanks for watching!

[@colhunt76]

I love watching Mike's videos. Even on topics that I've been familiar with for decades, I learn something new.

[@thunderamu9543]

Mr. Machat, another OUTSTANDING show! 💯🤌👍 The X-15 rates in my top three of all time. This is the first documentary that I've seen where four models, all in the same scale were presented for a true comparison. I am envious of your collection. I look forward to your research and presentations because they always have information beyond the hundreds of other works on any given subject. I learn something new every time and that's. saying a bunch. I get sick of seeing the same old rehash of commonly known facts. I wait impatiently for your releases!

[@stevecausey545]

Morning Mike! Seeing a new vid from you is always a great start to the day. Two of my favorite subjects,X15 and models. Thank you for the look.

[@celebratingaviationwithmik9782]

Thanks for watching!

[@jetsons101]

Mike, you do such a wonderful job of keeping aviation history alive. I would comment more but I have to run out the door for work............. Thanks again.

[@celebratingaviationwithmik9782]

Many thanks!

[@jetsons101]

The praise you get is well earned...@@celebratingaviationwithmik9782

[@thomaspusateri2028]

Excellent as always. I think the 50s and 60 where the greatest time for aerodynamic development and the 70s, 80s and 90s for avionics. Keep up the good work.

[@Airsally]

Another great and informative video. I love seeing the factory models. I started my 33 year career with Northrop as a model maker. It was interesting how we made models of new protoypes.they were all classified at the time. Youd get locked into a room with one other person untill it was finished. Not sure where they ended up once finished. Great to see these X-15 models. What a plane and very successful program.

[@celebratingaviationwithmik9782]

Appreciate the comment, thanks!

[@cruzcontrol1504]

YES !... big fan of the ablative coating on the A-2, and yes, they should have kept going with the concepts

[@johnplaninac9980]

Well you’re team has done it again. And the models and the photos/ artwork are amazing. Another great presentation great work.

[@celebratingaviationwithmik9782]

Many thanks John. Those models were all from the Jim Keeshen collection here in LA.

[@brucegray789]

My father moved the family to California in 1956 when he was hired at North American for the X-15 program. About 1961 when I was in Cub Scouts, my dad was Scout Master. I remember, for some special occasion, my dad bought the first X-15 model you showed as a Grand Prize. I didn’t win it but someone in Pack 877, Hollywood Riviera did. Dad got other NAA memorabilia as other prizes and I did win a packet of NAA aircraft pictures. Thanks for the memories.

[@kiwitrainguy]

If you click on the three vertical buttons on the right side of your comment, it gives you the option of editing your comment.

[@jaykean9882]

One thing that seems to elude commentators with regard to the X-15 is they had other tech that isn't discussed which probably had great impact on many things that flew at high speed. Specifically, the three X-15s seem to have had different nose cone configurations, presumably to test breaking the sound barrier and changing the shock wave around the vehicle in particular ways. If you look at this photo you'll notice all three X-15s, with different nose cones. That's a really great photo if you look at the X plane program. In the photo it's worth noting the DC-3 one of my favorite planes of all time, which seems to be transport. If you see other photos after flights of the X-15, you'll notice in the background the DC-3 which presumably many of the technicians and engineers, etc.were brought to the landing site to evaluate the aircraft after it landed. Nice little shuttle. Presumably there were tools and such that were brought to the landing sites and the distances at Edwards AFB made the use of a DC-3 practical.

[@joeschenk8400]

Very interesting, many things I didn't know about. But no model box top! Thanks for a great start to the week.

[@celebratingaviationwithmik9782]

Good catch - didn't have one in this 'live' taping.

[@RichNotWealthy]

Mr Mike, that was a great start to the week. Loved the "live" presentation of the models interspersed with the images. Gotta say you are a more professional presenter than most TV news ppl! I either never knew, or simply forgot many of the facts you shared. I often wonder what I was doing when historical events took place. For us older folks we didn't have electronic devices recording our daily life... I guess i need to rewatch your vid about factory models because i was curious about the materials used to build them. Way back in the 80's i worked with a retired professional model maker. When he found out i built kits he encouraged me to make a career out of it, but I didn't have that kind of artistic aptitude. I guess you could say, I never qualified for an Artistic License ☹️

[@celebratingaviationwithmik9782]

Appreciate the comment, thanks!

[@RichNotWealthy]

@@celebratingaviationwithmik9782 Of course I saw you on Max's Models unboxing those factory models in your friend's storage. I thought that metal F-104 would make a great hood ornament. 'Hood ornament", isn't that an ancient concept?

[@stevecausey545]

Hi folks, just wanted to let you know. The movie: X15 is showing on Tubi for free as we speak... I haven't seen this movie since I was a little kid. It's got lots of great footage,..plus Mary Tyler Moore...lol

[@triskellian]

A great summary of X-15 history on this episode!

[@MarceloTrindade1]

Great presentation with lots of information. Thank you for sharing this knowledge with us.

[@ancliuin2459]

I have been a fan of the X-15 since I was a boy, and that was a long time ago. I have read a lot about the plane in that time, and I thought there was nothing new for me to learn about it. I was wrong - thank you for that!

[@davidduganne5939]

Excellent presentation Mike--thanks for your work creating these fascinating videos! Viewers may be interested to know that NASA has several e-books available as pdf downloads that chronicle the X-15 tests. "X-15: Extending the Frontiers of Flight" and "Hypersonics Before the Shuttle-A Concise History of the X-15 Research Airplane" are 2 that come to mind. There is a lot of info shared on the NASA website. I hesitate to call it "free", considering the lives lost, and the tax dollars spent on flight research.

[@celebratingaviationwithmik9782]

Great comment, thanks!

[@bertg.6056]

An outstanding presentation, Mike. Great narration and so many interesting facts !

[@celebratingaviationwithmik9782]

Appreciate the comment, thanks!

[@djo9941]

Nice shot of Neil Armstrong at 11:54.

[@johnnyallred3753]

Thank you Mr.Machat for another woundful video in Celebrating Aviation. I always enjoy and learn something unique. I look forward to the nest one!

[@celebratingaviationwithmik9782]

Many thanks!

[@SPak-rt2gb]

That delta X-15 is sweet and I never knew of the ramjet proposal. I remember they were handing out a free black and white picture of the white X-15A-2 next to the XB-70 at the Edwards AFB airshow back in the 60s.

[@fromaggiovagiola9128]

Great Episode! Better than a book.

[@raynus1160]

Good stuff Mike - I especially like the in-person presentation. Cheers.

[@maxsmodels]

Great video Mike. I learned a lot.

[@andycharger]

Hi Mike. I love your detailed videos and insight into the various aviation fields thanks to your career. Do you think that the a lot of what was achieved from the early X planes would be replaced by advanced wind tunnel modelling and computer modelling if they were being developed today, rather than building these experimental planes?

[@celebratingaviationwithmik9782]

Great question, and I'm not quite sure. The early X-Planes represented the 'leading edge' of technology at that time, and today's X-Planes (although mostly unmanned) still do the same. Thanks for watching!

[@ronjon7942]

I’m sure quite a bit would be modeled, but there still needs to be a ‘real’ model to make sure the design goals are valid…but for sure, there will be fewer iterations built for live testing. The X-15 and all other research, development, prototype, and operational aircraft of these time periods were the actual data the modeling tools of today use to build a concept in a virtual environment.

[@sergioleone3583]

Wow! One of my favorites of all your videos, and that's saying something. Thank you for all the great work!

[@69Applekrate]

thank you for your fine work/video. It is always nice to learn a bit more of my favorite airplane

[@carlchristensen1628]

I enjoy EVERY episode. Thanks.

[@stevefriswell5422]

My favourite aircraft.Thanks for making this video.

[@SCSuperheavy114]

Another great one Mike! I like the use of models to compliment the pictures for this presentation. Well done!

[@celebratingaviationwithmik9782]

Many thanks!

[@Allan_aka_RocKITEman]

*Great video, Mike!*

[@edj44]

Always a pleasure to watch your presentations, thank you very much!

[@n6mz]

All X-15 lovers MUST read the excellent book "At the Edge of Space" by X-15 driver Milt Thompson. Also, try to make a pilgramage to the memorial to Mike Adams' flight, off Trona Road four miles north of Hwy 395 (35 25' 09"N, 117 35' 48"W). You may find some of the USA flags I planted there several years ago. Thanks for this excellent video Mr Machat.

[@x15galmichelleevans]

Always wonderful to hear from people that have been to the Adams memorial off Trona Road, and especially from someone who has left artifacts in honor of Mike. We've worked hard over the years to expand and upkeep the place, and it is great to know that so many people get out there to visit and pay their respects. Next May will mark the 20th anniversary of the initial dedication of the monument. Hopefully we will have some sort of event to mark the occasion.

[@celebratingaviationwithmik9782]

Thanks for the comment, and yes, Milt's book is one of the best on that great airplane.

[@x15galmichelleevans]

@@celebratingaviationwithmik9782 Milt's book is great, especially since it is the only first person book written by an X-15 pilot. It was strange though, in that he left out a lot of things, such as that he never even mentions where he was born. I always thought that was very bizarre when writing an autobiography. Milt was a wonderful guy, and an excellent pilot. He gave me my first interview on the day I started research for my book, "The X-15 Rocket Plane, Flying the First Wings into Space." I dedicated my book to him.

[@michaelmartinez1345]

Thank you for the excellent video Mike... Your videos are always very well done and extremely interesting and informative.... One of my alltime favorite planes is this one... The incredible, North American Aviation X-15...

[@x15galmichelleevans]

Thanks Mike, for putting out part 2 on the X-15. Great video, and wonderful to see those great models again. I wanted to take them all home with me when I was there doing my presentation on the X-15. :-)

[@celebratingaviationwithmik9782]

Thanks Michelle!

[@philipoakley2360]

Another brilliant video. Thanks!!!

[@glennweaver3014]

Another great presentation, delivered with all the detail, images, and straight forward quality production, viewers have come to expect. I learned many facts about the X-15, and the historic flights the aircraft made that I didn't know before. Top notch work as always Mike.

[@paulbervid1610]

Great video as always

[@akhalif68]

Thanks for a great insight into later developments of the Great X-15...

[@hoppy5631]

Fascinating video Mike, I learned a lot about the X-15. Well done!

[@celebratingaviationwithmik9782]

Many thanks!

[@7litrerob]

Awesome and informative presentation, love the models, thanks Mike

[@celebratingaviationwithmik9782]

Appreciate the comment, thanks!

[@albertschultz7151]

Many thanks Mike. Thoroughly enjoy your presentations of matters aeronautical. The broad spectrum of expertise that you master and your factual presentations are superb. 🙏🏻

[@plaigeous]

Really enjoyed that presentation, thank you. Was great to see the face behind these brilliant vids again. And yes, those are some gorgeous models!!

[@celebratingaviationwithmik9782]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks!

[@SMAZVidoes]

Very informative episode on this iconic aircraft. Really enjoyed it.

[@celebratingaviationwithmik9782]

Many thanks!

[@badian37]

Thank you, Michael! Well done and appreciate the work and research into this episode! I love the X-15!

[@celebratingaviationwithmik9782]

Many thanks!

[@ChristopherSterwerf]

Great video. I always learn something new thanks to you!

[@celebratingaviationwithmik9782]

Appreciate the comment, thanks!

[@nathanferris55]

Did I hear you mention the name Marquardt? His son was in my High School class; we were good friends. I had some very interesting discussions with Mr. Marquardt - even gave us a tour of his plant over near Van Nuys airport. Great show, Mike. Thanks.

[@celebratingaviationwithmik9782]

Very cool!

[@grandprixgtp2001]

Love it when you talk history on these planes. The Western musuem of flight videos are awesome, hipefully you will do several more. Your knowledge is incredible on the variations of prototypes.

[@stenic2]

Good job Mike!

[@nagjrcjasonbower]

Nice! You certainly earned a new sub. Thanks for the video!!!

[@celebratingaviationwithmik9782]

Appreciate the comment and great to have you aboard!

[@maximilliancunningham6091]

another superb disertation, thank you Mike. long time Wings Airpower fan.

[@celebratingaviationwithmik9782]

Appreciate the comment, thanks!

[@meatballwanger]

This is the best thing I ever saw.

[@Commander-McBragg]

I like that shirt, Mike. Great show!

[@monteiro5306]

As always an amazing video. Greetings from a Brazilian subscriber..

[@mortdk]

Wow. What a neat presentation. As futuristic as the X-15 was in the 50s and 60s, the X-15 obviously still had further development possibilities. It would have been interesting to see what could be achieved had the project continued into the 70s.

[@neilhaas]

I like this model X-15 rocket plane very unique airplane & interesting information about the airplane. I want to have a model of this X-15 rocket plane USAF NASA for myself. Thanks for sharing the info. ❤😊💯🤗😍🤩⭐

[@paulsmirnoff1263]

Hi Mike, I had the honor of meeting Scott Crossfield at the 1999 Edwards Air show and getting to shake his hand and a few questions and Heather got a photo of Crossfield and myself! I was awe struck

[@celebratingaviationwithmik9782]

Very cool Paul, and yes, Scotty was one of the very best in the business, and a real gentleman. Thanks for watching!

[@ronjon7942]

That is great.

[@roderickcampbell2105]

So nice to see videos by a person who knows so much that of which he speaks and loves what's he's doing. As a bonus, there are wonderful comments. Many thanks.

[@celebratingaviationwithmik9782]

Appreciate your support of the channel and kind words as well. 'Glad you enjoy the programs, thanks!

[@roderickcampbell2105]

@@celebratingaviationwithmik9782 Hello Mike. I really enjoy the channel. When I see aviation art now, I think of you and your colleagues I saw a WWII painting of a British Typhoon (Or Tempest maybe?) after a ME-262 on YT today. Very well done.

[@jules123589]

Kind of sad I never looked into this ship myself. I just new it as the X-15. Pretty neat to see it had modularity and variants! Thanks for the video!

[@celebratingaviationwithmik9782]

Appreciate the comment and thanks for watching!

[@mrrolandlawrence]

wow never knew about the delta wing proposal. Gems as always!

[@rieger.design]

Thanks for another great video. I also like how sci-fi this airplane looks like. I am sure its shape affected many upcoming prop designers in the sci-fi-fi TV shows and movies to come

[@celebratingaviationwithmik9782]

Agreed, and thanks!

[@WiliiamNoTell]

Great video !!! Learned a few things I never new before. Thanks for sharing. where can I purchase the desk top models?

[@scottwhitmire6613]

Happy Pre 🎂Birthday Mike!

[@celebratingaviationwithmik9782]

Thanks Scott!

[@garfieldsmith332]

Thank you for a wonderful presentation. I learned more about the X-15 program from this and your previous presentation. I never realised there were different models of the aircraft and that there were plans for the delta wing version.

[@Arturo-lapaz]

nor did most people, becase it was classified on the need to know basis.

[@garfieldsmith332]

@@Arturo-lapaz Even the model companies or toy companies produced the alternates. Their spies must have not passed on the info.🙂

[@Arturo-lapaz]

@@garfieldsmith332 of course, what I meant is the details of the tests, to even know what the experiments where, you had to have a need to know.

[@garfieldsmith332]

@@Arturo-lapaz Yes. I was just being funny. I remember so many kits having box art that said "top secret" or "mystery plane", or words to that effect. Would love to have been a fly on the aviation design rooms walls back in the 50s and 60s. Cheers. 🙂

[@Arturo-lapaz]

@@garfieldsmith332 Ever since Reagan himself gave the cleared engineers at that time, when he was the governor his explanation , we took it too seriously, I suppose. Neal.Armstrong was flying the X-15, then, once the engine blew up, putting additional pressure on vigilance, but thanks for the clarification.

[@Paughco]

Thank you very much for this very informative video. I did a presentation on the X-15 as a science project when I was in 7th grade (Binnsmead Grade School, Portland, OR). Hey! What happened to the model box art?

[@neilhaas]

Very beautiful models configuration the X-15 USAF NASA the small rocket engines.

[@celebratingaviationwithmik9782]

Many thanks!

[@HootOwl513]

Just a wild guess, but I see some SR-71 in its lines. [12:42]

[@ronjon7942]

Geez, Crossfield looks 5:30 like he just graduated from his paper route! I mean, I’m only 53, but he’s just a kid! A kid who was the fastest man alive, granted, but…

[@user-um6mi7wm7r]

what Material is that Marquardt Corporation ramjet x-15 model are?

[@celebratingaviationwithmik9782]

That model was made from solid wood. Thanks for watching!

[@decam5329]

Hello Mr Mike.

[@celebratingaviationwithmik9782]

Greetings and thanks for watching!

[@tinsmith3846]

Wonderful model collection 👍 I was at the garage sale of an Air Force general who had the Topping high altitude model and many others, but couldn’t swing the $20 price on my 5th-grade (1973 -$5/week) allowance 😕

[@chuck9987]

Fascinating video. Excellent presentation. I remember that the program was overshadowed by the "space program", all of the capsules and the space race with the Russians. News coverage didn't handle research programs that well. Beautiful models.

[@spikymikie]

😎👍👍

[@danmaltby3271]

clearly x15 is the grandad of the shuttle

[@celebratingaviationwithmik9782]

Yes, exactly! Thanks for watching.

[@enjin7032]

the model looks like made by Jon Risque. not sure.

[@anthonyb5279]

Ummm ...... ????? Model box top???

[@maxsmodels]

Well. They were all models....

[@celebratingaviationwithmik9782]

Good point, thanks!

[@unclefart5527]

Disgusting they didn't do a 200th flight. Then again we never got 800 F-22s.

[@ronjon7942]

I’m still hopeful. I’ve a GoFundMe to restart the Raptor production line.

[@paulward4268]

Hello Mike, thank you so much for a wonderful video - great information about a simply fantastic subject. An absolute joy. Many thanks from the UK.

[@celebratingaviationwithmik9782]

Appreciate the comment, thanks!