Retired· North American Aviation · reusable

North American X-15

The North American X-15 was a hypersonic rocket-powered aircraft operated by the United States Air Force and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration as part of the X-plane series of experimental aircraft.

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Launches

since Jun 1959

Success rate

92.3%

12 of 13 successful

In a row

successful launches

Launches per Year

Full year2026 so far

Specifications

Height: 15.47 m
Diameter: 6.61 m
Liftoff mass: 15,195 t
Liftoff thrust: 286 kN
Stages: 1
First flight: June 8, 1959
Manufacturer: North American Aviation

Flies for X-15.

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