The X-15A-2 Gets a Heat-Resistant Coating
Description: X-15A-2 with full scale ablative and external tanks installed parked in front of a hangar at what is now NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center in California.
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) in October 1967 with pilot William "Pete" Knight at the controls.
Credit: NASA
Image Number: EC67-1794
Date: August 4, 1967
The X-15A-2 Gets a Heat-Resistant Coating
Description: X-15A-2 with full scale ablative and external tanks installed parked in front of a hangar at what is now NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center in California.
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) in October 1967 with pilot William "Pete" Knight at the controls.
Credit: NASA
Image Number: EC67-1794
Date: August 4, 1967