Mastercraft Collection North American Hypersonic Rocket Powered Aircraft United States Air Force Supersonic X-15 Model Scale: 1/32

Product Description

PRODUCT DETAILS The North American X-15 was a rocket-powered aircraft operated by the United States Air Force NASA as part of the X-plane series of experimental aircraft. The X-15 set speed and altitude records in the early 1960s, reaching the edge of outer space and returning with valuable data used in aircraft and spacecraft design. As of 2012, the X-15 holds the official world record for the fastest speed ever reached by a manned rocket-powered aircraft. This handcrafted model is painted in the same paint scheme as the original and is painstakingly built from Philippine mahogany by our skilled craftsmen. Perfect as a gift for any aviation enthusiast and history buff!

From the Manufacturer

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 c 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. Each X-15 scale model that we offer is made from materials of the highest quality. Every part of the model aircraft is handcrafted before undergoing several phases of priming and sanding. Skilled artists carefully duplicate the details, which are then sealed in with clear lacquer. A faithful reproduction of the original X-15, our replica will be perfect as an addition to a personal collection or as executive gifts and promotional incentives.

• Scale: 1/32.
• Handcrafted by a series of master craftsmen using only the highest grade materials.
• Each product is identical to the plane’s original blueprint.
• Truly a fusion of art and history, a museum quality masterpiece unmatched by another model producing company on earth.
• The perfect gift for any aviation enthusiast, history buff, personnel, or collector.