North American X-15 Reference Review

By Michael Benolkin

Review

Whether you're an aviation historian or modeler (or both) it is hard not to know about the worlds first 'spacecraft'. The X-15 paved the way for not only hypersconic flight, but also developed many of the technologies that made the Space Shuttle a reality.

Two of the most defining titles on the subjects are Hypersonic! The Story of the North American X-15 and X-15 Photo Scrapbook (which contains more photos that wouldn't fit into the first title). Both of these titles are by Tony R. Landis, who now offers another interesting resource at a VERY reasonable price. This photo-reference CD is loaded with medium resolution images of all three airframes and one folder dedicated to the modified X-15A-2. There are really nice shots of the cockpit layouts, ejection seat, rocket engines, and much more.

According to the CD: "The images contained on this CD were collected from a variety of sources including, Boeing, NASA, North American, NARA, AFFTC History Office and Museum as well as many personal collections. Many of these were used in the Specialty Press books on the X-15 and many were acquired after those books were published. These images are all medium res Jpegs (1500 pixels wide). Wherever possible any pertinent information was placed in the ‘File Info’ section when opened in Photoshop. If any of these are used for publication or web use, please credit the originating source for the image, which is contained with the other information."

The CD is $7 plus shipping which is $1.50. Tony accepts money orders or Paypal. You can contact Tony directly at X15@edwardsflighttest.com for payment instructions.

If you've got an X-15 kit (and I just acquired that beautiful Special Hobby 1/32 X-15A-2), then here are some great photo references for you at a VERY nice price.

Definitely recommended!