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Author
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Topic: Photo of the week 431 (January 26, 2013)
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heng44
Member Posts: 2485
From: Netherlands
Registered: Nov 2001
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posted 01-26-2013 02:37 AM
   
 This photo of X-15 no.1 was taken after flight 1-35-56, flown by NASA pilot Jack McKay on May 15, 1963 - the same day Gordon Cooper was launched on MA-9. During McKay's flight, the nose gear scoop door opened at about Mach 5. Due to the heating the tires blew at landing. Note that somebody changed the 'Beware of blast' sign next to the reaction control thrusters to 'Beware of Beast'. Ed Hengeveld |
APG85
Member Posts: 238
From:
Registered: Jan 2008
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posted 01-26-2013 07:39 AM
That's neat! |
328KF
Member Posts: 753
From:
Registered: Apr 2008
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posted 01-26-2013 11:14 AM
That is an interesting shot and thanks for pointing out both the time context and the "Beast" sign. It also appears that the fire crews may have hit the X-15 with foam, given the streaks running down the side of the nose. |
mach3valkyrie
Member Posts: 128
From: Albany, Oregon USA
Registered: Jul 2006
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posted 01-26-2013 05:40 PM
Jack McKay certainly had his share of mishaps with the X-15. I knew about the November 1962 crash landing in the number 2 aircraft, but not this tire blowing episode.Great photo — thanks for posting. |
micropooz
Member Posts: 1213
From: Washington, DC, USA
Registered: Apr 2003
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posted 01-26-2013 07:16 PM
 A postal cover for this event: May 15, 1963; Edwards AFB machine canceled; Boy Scout rubber-stamped cachet: autographed by McKay. McKay was a true unsung hero. I would have loved to have met that guy... |
East-Frisian
Member Posts: 368
From: Germany
Registered: Apr 2005
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posted 01-27-2013 02:15 AM
The wheel is not to use again, I believe. |
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