21 April 1961. USAF Major Robert Michael “Bob” White piloted the X-15-2, 56-6671 research aeroplane from Edwards Air Force Base in California on its first flight at full throttle, reaching a speed of 3,074 mph at an altitude of 79,000 feet, before climbing to 105,100 feet.
That's almost 20 miles up.
ReplyDeleteand in so doing later recognized as an astronaut .... and still made it home for supper.
ReplyDeleteKind of blurring the line, it was more rocket than airplane.
ReplyDeleteHe went to the Danger Zone.
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