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Author
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Topic: X-15-A2 Window and Retainer
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SpaceAholic
Member Posts: 4437
From: Sierra Vista, Arizona
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 04-06-2010 06:40 PM
   
A new addition slightly divergent from my principle collecting objectives. The window and its affiliated Inconel retainer (frame) flew on X-15A-2 in 1967 with Pete Knight (it was during that year his aircraft attained its fastest recorded velocity - mach 6.7). This window geometry is unique to X-15A-2 (aircraft tail 66671 shown immediately following the artifact); a result of redesign of the flight vehicle following its 1962 accident. The rebuilt aircraft incorporated modifications which expanded its performance envelope (after return to service it was capable of flying faster and higher then X-15 #1 and 3). The X-15A-2 window's oval shape allowed it to dissipate heat more efficiently then the trapezoidal windows on the other two X-15's (bottom image X-15 #3 for comparison). Click for better res photo:  
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Scott Schneeweis, LCDR, USN;
SPACEAHOLIC.com |
328KF
Member Posts: 1234
From:
Registered: Apr 2008
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posted 04-06-2010 08:00 PM
That's a fantastic piece Scott! I noticed the signatures of Crossfield, Chris Kraft (was he involved in X-15?) and Gen. White.Where did you come by this item? |
SpaceAholic
Member Posts: 4437
From: Sierra Vista, Arizona
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 04-06-2010 08:16 PM
Popped onto the auction scene around 1995 (via Superior) I think, in my opinion one of the more iconic X-15 artifacts in circulation. |
albatron
Member Posts: 2732
From: Stuart, Florida
Registered: Jun 2000
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posted 04-06-2010 09:08 PM
Interesting about Chris Kraft. He told me during his book signing tour he worked on the X-1 while w/NACA and the X-15 briefly before going to NASA at KSC. However, I've never been able to confirm it other than his statement. A HUGE tip of the mad prop beaning to you Scott - a seriously nice piece and I am really jealous. but in a good way.  |
freshspot
unregistered
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posted 04-07-2010 03:25 AM
Nice one Scott. So you must have finished building your Apollo CM and LM, right?Dave Scott (not the astronaut)
www.apolloartifacts.com |
garymilgrom
Member Posts: 1966
From: Atlanta, GA
Registered: Feb 2007
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posted 04-07-2010 06:45 AM
Just beautiful! Congratulations Scott. |
ilbasso
Member Posts: 1522
From: Greensboro, NC USA
Registered: Feb 2006
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posted 04-07-2010 08:40 AM
I'm eagerly awaiting to see how you get the rest of the X-15 in your house, piece by piece.By the way, since it's "divergent" from your usual collecting, I would be glad to take that offending piece off of your hands, no charge. Way cool!
Jonathan |
SpaceAholic
Member Posts: 4437
From: Sierra Vista, Arizona
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 04-07-2010 08:49 AM
Another collector will eventually get to enjoy it - don't intend to hold onto this piece indefinitely |
machbusterman
Member Posts: 1778
From: Dunfermline, Fife, Scotland
Registered: May 2004
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posted 04-07-2010 02:57 PM
A phenomenal and VERY tangible piece of aerospace history.... WOW!!!!! |
Jurg Bolli
Member Posts: 977
From: Albuquerque, NM
Registered: Nov 2000
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posted 04-07-2010 03:17 PM
I agree, fabulous piece, and thanks for sharing the photos with all of us. |
tegwilym
Member Posts: 2331
From: Sturgeon Bay, WI
Registered: Jan 2000
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posted 04-07-2010 04:20 PM
Fantastic piece! I'm drooling down my chin, gotta go find a napkin.... |
Michael Clemente
Member Posts: 186
From: Atco, New Jersey, USA
Registered: Mar 2002
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posted 04-07-2010 07:09 PM
That is one sweet piece! I agree with everybody else that is one fine artifact. Thanks for sharing. |
apollo11lem5
Member Posts: 528
From: Seminole, Florida, United States
Registered: May 2000
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posted 04-08-2010 12:23 PM
Scott, seriously nice piece! I concur with what Al said about Chris Kraft saying that he was involved with the X-15 and his involvement in that program. I was with Al and Bill O'Donnell when he said that and heard it myself! I was at that book signing with Al and Bill and definitely heard Chris Kraft say that. Best to all and major congrats to Scott!Donald Brady |
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