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The X-15 Rocket Plane Is Currently The Only Aircraft To Break The Hypersonic Barrier (Mach 5 And Above). The X-15 Is Carried Up To Launch Altitude By A NASA B-52. The X-15, Although Shadowed By The Mercury And Gemini Space Programs, It Still Contributed To Space Exploration As Much As The Other Two. Because It Flew So High, Its Pilots Were Awarded Astronaut Wings. The X-15 Was Also Proposed As A Reusable Craft Substitute For Project Mercury.
Specs: X-15A-2
Type: Single Seat Hypervelocity Rocket Powered Research Aircraft
Engines: One Reaction Motors XLR99-RM-2 Single Chamber Liquid Propellant Rocket Engine
Top Speed: Mach 6.72 (4,535 MPH)
Ceiling: 354,200 FT
Range: 280 MI
Armament: None
Dimensions: Wingspan- 22.3 FT, Length- 50.7 FT, Heiht-13.7 FT, Wing Area-200 Sq, FT