Author: Wendell H. Stillwell

Publisher:

Published: 1960

Total Pages: 22

ISBN-13:

On August 4, 1960, a flight was made with the X-15 airplane to the maximum speed expected with the interim rocket engines. Fully corrected airspeed measurements showed that the maximum Mach number of 3/31 +/-0.04 and maximum true airspeed of 2,196 mph +/- 35 were attained at an altitude of 69,600 feet. At Mach numbers greater than 2.0 the pitot-static tube exhibited a negative static-pressure error which resulted in a Mach number correction of -0.18 at the maximum speed.