MISSION PLANNING AND OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES FOR THE X-15 AIRPLANE

Abstract : Mission-planning methods and techniques used for the X-15 airplane envelope-expansion flight-test program are discussed. Use of the six-degreeof-freedom ground-based simulator is indicated for prediction of performance, stability and controllability; development of piloting techniques and pilot training; evaluation of, and practice for, all possible emergency conditions; and energy-management development. Other pilot-training devices and the role of the ground-monitoring station are also described. Predicted trajectory data and actual flight results are compared. The initial reasons and the final justifications for conducting the X-15 envelope expansion by performance increment are presented. (Author)