X-15B: The Spaceplane That Almost Was

Paper number

IAC-06-E4.3.01

Author

Dr. L. Parker Temple, The Aerospace Corporation, United States

Year

2006

Abstract

Key Words:  X-15, X-20, Dyna-Soar, spaceplanes, reconnaissance, manned spaceflight

The X-15B would have been an advanced version of the North American X-15 hypersonic research aircraft, which was arguably the most successful of all the X-series.  
Variously known as the Advanced X-15, the Orbital X-15, or the X-15B, the concept of orbiting an X-15 never reached maturity, but provides a fascinating insight into the early days of human spaceflight during the Cold War.  Very little information on the X-15B has come to light, even in the most authoritative and comprehensive studies of the X-15 flight research program.  This paper describes the X-15B, and is based on newly released information from studies conducted in 1958-1959.

Abstract document

IAC-06-E4.3.01.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-06-E4.3.01.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.