Sonic to Hypersonic – The X-15
The facts, fiction, and body of knowledge the X-15 generated is enormous. School kids should be taught about it as one of the great things the US should be proud of. In fact, I do bring it up with them, but (contrary to what you may have heard) I do have some sympathy...The XF-92A – Delta Wings – Imported and Exported
Between the first and second world wars, aircraft development was moving apace in Europe. One of the many people pushing aircraft technology was Alexander Lippisch, the designer of the rocket powered Messerschmitt Me 163 Komet. Lippisch proposed a triangular delta...The X-4 Bantam, Lemons, Balsa and a Big “No”
The years immediately following the end of World War II must have been a heady time to be in aviation. The “sound barrier” had gained its own reputation and the mysteries of flight were being pulled back further and further. Though some of the science...Beyond Glamorous Glennis
The X-1 program wasn’t just about reaching Mach 1. Supersonic was only one of numerous areas of flight and flying that the craft explored. The X-1’s speed was achieved by the thrust of a Reaction Motors XLR11 rocket (more of which later), and the duration...Nigel Blackwell
Nigel Blackwell was born in rural Oxfordshire in England. He has a love of books, a PhD in Physical Chemistry, and a black belt in pointing out the obvious. As a teenager he toured Europe, and hasn't stopped traveling since. He loves seeing the wonders of the world and meeting the people in it, and hasn't been anywhere that doesn't have the potential for a story. He now lives in Texas with his wife and daughter, where they enjoy the sunshine and listen to the coyotes howl at night.