X-15A-2 is rolled out of the paint shop after having the full scale ablative applied

X-15A-2 is rolled out of the paint shop after having the full scale ablative applied. In June 1967, the X-15A-2 rocket-powered research aircraft received a full-scale ablative coating to protect the craft from the high temperatures associated with hypersonic flight (above Mach 5). This pink eraser-like substance, applied to the X-15A-2 aircraft (56-6671), was then covered with a white sealant coat before flight. This coating would help the #2 aircraft reach the record speed of 4,520 mph (Mach 6.7).

X-15A-2 is rolled out of the paint shop after having the full scale ablative applied. In June 1967, the X-15A-2 rocket-powered research aircraft received a full-scale ablative coating to protect the craft from the high temperatures associated with hypersonic flight (above Mach 5). This pink eraser-like substance, applied to the X-15A-2 aircraft (56-6671), was then covered with a white sealant coat before flight. This coating would help the #2 aircraft reach the record speed of 4,520 mph (Mach 6.7).

Photographer NASA
Location AFRC
X-15rocket-powered research aircraftNorth American AviationXLR-99 rocket engineThiokol Chemical Corp high-speed high-altitude flightB-52 air launch4520 mphMach 6 70354200 ft altitude 67 miles altitude flight controlsreaction controlsMercury programGemini programApollo programSpace Shuttlehypersonic flightfull scale ablative coating