X-15 North American Model Spacecraft

Reliving the glory of aviation is best commemorated with X-15 North American Model Spacecraft from Warplanes!

About the X-15 North American

The North American X-15 was a rocket-powered research aircraft that was part of the USAF/NASA/USN X- series of experimental aircraft. Designed to explore the problems of flight at very high speeds and altitudes, it bridged the gap between manned flight in the atmosphere and space flight. After its initial test flights in 1959, it became the first winged aircraft to attain hypersonic velocities of Mach 4, 5, and 6 and to operate at altitudes above 30,500 meters. The X-15 and other research aircraft contributed to the advancement of aerospace technology.

Three X-15s were built in all, and they made a total of 199 test flights, the last one on October 24, 1968. Plans were made for a 200th X-15 flight to be launched over Smith Ranch, Nevada, scheduled for November 21, 1968. However, various technical and weather delays caused the planned launch to slip at least six times until late December 1968. Finally after a cancellation on December 20, 1968 due to weather, it was decided that there would not be a 200th flight.

X-15 #1 was sent to the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC. X-15 #2 is on display at the National Museum of the United States Air Force at Wright- Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton, Ohio. X-15 #3 was destroyed in a crash on November 15, 1967.

Twelve test pilots flew the X-15, including Neil Armstrong, who would later become the first man on the Moon, and Joe Engle, who went on to command Space Shuttle missions.

Get this X-15 model spacecraft exclusive at Warplanes! This X-15 model aircraft is modeled using various high-quality grade materials by our master craftsmen. It is carved from solid mahogany and entirely hand painted, designed to match the original aircraft. A coat of clear lacquer protects the aircraft and gives it a glossy finish.