X-15: The World's Fastest Rocket Plane and the Pilots Who Ushered in the Space Age (Smithsonian Series)

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In X-15, the exciting story of the X-15—the iconic rocket plane of the Cold War space race—is recounted by John Anderson, curator of aerodynamics at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. This experimental space plane was on the cutting edge of hypersonic aerodynamics, and its winged reentry from space foreshadowed the development of the Space Shuttle decades later. Launched from the wing of a modified B-52 bomber—again foretelling a concept that would be used decades later, in this case by SpaceShipOne and SpaceShipTwo—the ship rocketed higher and faster than any manned aircraft of the time. Designed to approach seven times the speed of sound, it was the first hypersonic aircraft ever created and was engineered to function both in the Earth’s atmosphere and at the edge of space. Illustrated with period NASA and USAF photographs, as well as exclusive Smithsonian photography of the first of three X-15s built, X-15 captures the risks and dangers of the X-15 program as Anderson follows the test pilots (including Neil Armstrong) who pushed the very limits of their piloting skills to master groundbreaking experimental technology. Even with the fatal crash of the third X-15, the overall success of the program helped pave the way for NASA to continue to the Moon—and this is the definitive, expertly curated, and beautifully illustrated account of its development.

## Publisher: Zenith Press
## Language: English
## Hardcover: 144 pages
## ISBN-10: 0760344450
## ISBN-13: 978-0760344453
## Item Weight: 1.68 pounds
## Dimensions: 8.5 x 0.75 x 10.5 inches

## FAQ

**Q: Who was the author of X-15: The World’s Fastest Rocket Plane and the Pilots Who Ushered in the Space Age?**

A: The book was authored by John Anderson, curator of aerodynamics at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.

**Q: What is the focus of the book?**

A: The book focuses on the X-15, an experimental space plane that played a crucial role in the Cold War space race and the development of hypersonic aerodynamics.

**Q: What are some key features of the X-15?**

A: The X-15 was designed to approach seven times the speed of sound and was the first hypersonic aircraft ever created. It was launched from a modified B-52 bomber and could function both in the Earth’s atmosphere and at the edge of space.

## Conclusion

X-15: The World’s Fastest Rocket Plane and the Pilots Who Ushered in the Space Age provides a captivating account of the X-15 program and the pioneering pilots who pushed the boundaries of technology and piloting skills. Authored by John Anderson, a curator at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, the book offers a comprehensive look at this iconic rocket plane and its contributions to the space race. Illustrated with period photographs, including exclusive images from the Smithsonian, X-15 is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of space exploration and the development of hypersonic flight.

To purchase a copy of X-15: The World’s Fastest Rocket Plane and the Pilots Who Ushered in the Space Age, visit [Amazon.com](https://amazon.com/dp/0760344450?tag=whopy03-20).