North American X-15A Replica
The X-15 is one of the most successful aircraft of the X-Plane series of experimental aircraft. Designed in the late 1950s to explore high altitudes and high speeds the X-15 flew 199 times and set both altitude and speed records. Eventually the X-15 flew high enough to earn its pilots Astronaut wings. It also set the world’s absolute speed record by flying over six times the speed of sound.

ManufacturerNorth American
MarkingsU.S. Air Force/NASA, Edwards Air Force Base
DesignationX-15A
Serial Number“56-6670”
Wingspan22 ft 4 in.
Length50 ft
Height13 ft
Weight56,130 lbs (loaded)
Maximum Speed4,520 MPH
Service Ceiling354,200 ft
Range275 miles
EnginesOne Thiokol XLR99-RM-2 rocket engine with 57,850 pounds of thrust
Crew1


Boeing NB-52A (B-52A) Stratofortress
Designed as a long-range heavy bomber to carry nuclear weapons deep into Soviet territory, the B-52 has proven to be a highly adaptable and versatile aircraft. Serving as a strategic nuclear bomber, conventional heavy bomber, and as a test aircraft, the B-52 has flown in the U.S. Air Force for more than sixty years and late models of the Stratofortress are expected to serve until 2040. Design work for what would become the B-52 Stratofortress began in 1945. After several major design changes, the first of the eight-engined bombers took to the air on October 2, 1952. The first of the eight major production variants of the B-52 were built in 1954 with production of the last versions ending in 1963. Only three of the “A” model Stratofrtresses were built and all served solely as test aircraft for both Boeing and the Air Force. The oldest B-52 in existence, this is the third “A” model built. This is one of two B-52s modified to carry the X-15 rocket plane.

Wingspan185 ft
Length156 ft
Height48 ft
Weight450,000 lbs (loaded)
Maximum Speed650 MPH
Service Ceiling50,000 ft
Range6,000 miles
EnginesEight Pratt & Whitney J57-P-1W turbojets with 9,000 poun