Aircraft - Aviation - Balloons - Helicopters
Nov. 11, 1963 - Thirteen Pilots Killed in project X': A total of thirteen U.S. test pilots have been sacrificed for the development of the aircraft designed to fly high into the stratosphere. The diaster occurred between the flights of the X-L and X-15. Referred to as a jinxed program it has been one of the most costly in terms of human life in the field of modern aviation. Recent success of the X-15 placed Major Robert White at an altitude of 314, 750 feet (nearly 60 miles up). His speed was 3, 6000 mph. This record made him the first man in a winged plane to enter the relam of space. Plans are now under way for a 100 mile altitude try. Photo Shows: The X-15 leaving its parent B-52 on the recent record breaking flight into the stratosphere
