X-15 images after flight

[kyrre]

I think it would have been nice to see the face of the pilot when he did his post flight walkaround.
www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=wHuBsBOF4R8

I did not know the X-15 flights were so rough.

[Mofo]

Probably something like this.
www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=8RT4yQnNtxY&feature=endscreen

Judging by the spalled metal inside the gear doors, it's a lucky thing none of the fluids boiled off. Though I guess that's why they went with rear skids, rather than wheels - rubber would just melt.

Cool stuff. Thanks.

[paolo6691]

I think this is after the flighty with the dummy ramjet.

The interference between the shockwaves was underestimated and created localized heat that started to melt the lower vertical tail.

All the other charring and cracking was exactly normal, the plane was covered with an ablator.

I am so knowledgeable only because I am currently reading a book on the x-15

The MPM kit is in the cupboard!

Cheers

Paolo