X-15 ROCKET PLANE: The Final Years

[kevinbaird]

Scott Crossfield would be fully suited up and in the cockpit of the X-15 even if it was unlikely that the mission would launch. He wouldn't get out until the mission was officially scrubbed, sometimes 6 hours or more. He did this so that the ground crew would see that he was dedicated, and that he believed the crew deserved the recognition of their hard work and dedication. A class act. Another fine presentation Mike. Thank You.

[joeschenk]

Very interesting, many things I didn't know about. But no model box top! Thanks for a great start to the week.

[JeffTeaford]

Scott C. was such a good man. Just super easy to talk to. The X-15 was a huge achievement even to hear him talk about it, but he always looked to the future and always felt there was a need for a man (person) to be in the loop. It didn't matter how educated you were or weren't. He would speak to you like a peer. This aircraft/spacecraft is still a modern miracle.
When we hear about Russian hypersonic advances, remember America was going hypersonic with a man in the cockpit, back in the 1960s!

[robertdragoff]

Good to see the man behind the voice!

I didn’t know about how many variations there were of the X15.

Like the Delta wing or the scram jet one.

I also didn’t know how fast it could fly.

Above Mach 5!

Anyway, great video

[pfield]

Another great presentation Mike. In the very early sixties when I was a plane mad kid in Wales, my older sister, who lives in the US, used to send me plastic kits which were not available in the UK for Xmas and birthday presents. I once received a set of small scale X plane models, including the X-15. I never dreamed of ever seeing such exotic flying machines in the flesh (metal). When I eventually did visit the collection of X planes at Dayton and the X-15 at the Smithsonian earlier this century I remembered those tiny kits and got quite emotional in the presence of the real things. Even in my old age I am still fascinated by the hardware of space and high speed flight.

[burntsider]

Machat's documentaries are the best. Loaded with details and devoid of gimmicks. Thank you for producing them. Respectfully,

[cruzcontrol]

YES !... big fan of the ablative coating on the A-2, and yes, they should have kept going with the concepts

[hangie]

Great and informative video, Mr Machat. Your work does justice to the X-15, a pioneering aircraft that has not got the recognition it deserves.

[eichfelder]

Mr. Machat, your videos are always a pleasure to watch. Very informative, well edited, and with great narration.

[williamscoggin]

As a kid I had a large Air Force issued print of the x-15 hanging on my wall that my uncle gave me.
I never realized how many variations this aircraft went through during its lifetime.

[davidshell]

Good morning Mike☕️
Another amazing presentation
I’ve always loved the X -15
I wish I still had that Topping model of the X-15 my dad gave me
There is a memorial for Major Adams at the X-15 crash site that was put together by an Eagle Scout. Its off of Trona Road, above 395
Thank you Mike

[thunderamu]

Mr. Machat, another OUTSTANDING show! 💯🤌👍 The X-15 rates in my top three of all time. This is the first documentary that I've seen where four models, all in the same scale were presented for a true comparison. I am envious of your collection. I look forward to your research and presentations because they always have information beyond the hundreds of other works on any given subject. I learn something new every time and that's. saying a bunch. I get sick of seeing the same old rehash of commonly known facts. I wait impatiently for your releases!

[rjosephobrien]

Thank you, Mike. I always enjoy your videos. The X-15 program really got this young boy living in Palmdale excited about aviation. It was one of the very first models I ever built.

[colhunt]

I love watching Mike's videos. Even on topics that I've been familiar with for decades, I learn something new.

[thomaspusateri]

Excellent as always. I think the 50s and 60 where the greatest time for aerodynamic development and the 70s, 80s and 90s for avionics. Keep up the good work.

[jetsons]

Mike, you do such a wonderful job of keeping aviation history alive. I would comment more but I have to run out the door for Thanks again.

[stevecausey]

Hi folks, just wanted to let you know. The movie: X15 is showing on Tubi for free as we speak...
I haven't seen this movie since I was a little kid. It's got lots of great footage, ..plus Mary Tyler Moore...lol

[stevecausey]

Morning Mike!
Seeing a new vid from you is always a great start to the day.
Two of my favorite subjects, X15 and models.
Thank you for the look.

[brucegray]

My father moved the family to California in 1956 when he was hired at North American for the X-15 program. About 1961 when I was in Cub Scouts, my dad was Scout Master. I remember, for some special occasion, my dad bought the first X-15 model you showed as a Grand Prize. I didn’t win it but someone in Pack 877, Hollywood Riviera did. Dad got other NAA memorabilia as other prizes and I did win a packet of NAA aircraft pictures. Thanks for the memories.

[raynus]

Good stuff Mike - I especially like the in-person presentation. Cheers.