Contributions of the X-15 Program to Lifting Entry Technology

Entries from altitudes greater than 350,000 ft with the X-15 airplane have provided piloting experience and verification of predicted control characteristics and operational techniques. The airplane re-enters as a glider and duplicates several phases in the recovery of higher-performance vehicles, for example, transition from near-zero dynamic pressure to aerodynamic flight, and the terminal-area ranging and landing. During entries, reaction controls have been used to surprisingly high dynamic pressures. Rate command control provided satisfactory control, and hold modes were appreciated by the pilots for secondary control mocjes. With conservatively planned flights, the pilots have had no problem controlling range to base with contact navigation. Landmarks have been observed from above 300,000 ft and 160 miles range. The approach and landing of the low-lift-drag-ratio X-15 airplane has become routine, with relatively small dispersion in touchdown and slideout distance. The speed brakes have been an important control for regulation of ranging for landing; however, the pilots indicated that faster-acting speed brakes would allow more flexible operation. D 9 = L := q = Nomenelatu re drag acceleration due to gravity, ft/sec2 lift dynamic pressure, psf angle of attack, deg pitch angle, deg roll angle, deg yaw angle, deg

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