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Video by Tass Mimikos

#HonoringVets: X-15 Test Pilots

Department of Veterans Affairs

June 7, 2020 | 1:39

The X-15 was a joint hypersonic research program with NASA, the Air Force, the Navy, and North American Aviation, Inc. It was developed to provide in-flight data on aerodynamics, structures, flight controls, and the physiological aspects of high-speed, high-altitude flight.

The X-15 proved that piloted high-performance aircraft can be flown in space, and identified 25 specific accomplishments which contributed to the development of the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo manned spaceflight programs, and also the Space Shuttle program.

We honor these brave military Veterans for their contributions to aviation:

· Forrest S. Petersen (VADM, USN)
· Joe H. Engle (Maj Gen, USAF)
· Robert A. Rushworth (Maj Gen, USAF)
· Robert Michael "Bob" White, (Maj Gen, USAF)
· William J. Knight (Col, USAF)
· Michael J. Adams (Maj, USAF)
· Neil A. Armstrong, (LTJG, USN)