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Observation...from a different dimension [NASA X-15]

Posted: Tue Jul 28, 2015 1:35 am
by timtamtung
I am going to think outside the box on this Sig and interpret 'OBSERVATION' from a different angle.
The subject at hand is the North American X-15.
NASA and USAF created this experimental rocket to 'observe' aircraft and spacecraft design at the edge of outer space.
They returned with valuable data collected.

It was a program to investigate all aspects of piloted hypersonic flight. Information gained from the highly successful X-15 program contributed to the development of the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo piloted spaceflight programs as well as the Space Shuttle program.

Chief Scientist Ken Iliff and his wife, aerospace research engineer Mary Shafer wrote, "The aircraft returned benchmark hypersonic data for aircraft performance, stability and control, materials, shock interaction, hypersonic turbulent boundary layer, skin friction, reaction control jets, aerodynamic heating, and heat transfer."

This is observation at the finest and highest level.

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And the kit:
Note how it was 'packed with pride' back in 1982


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Re: Observation...from a different dimension [NASA X-15]

Posted: Tue Jul 28, 2015 4:24 am
by timtamtung
Quite a simple build, finished in a morning.As the kit is quite old, some filler and sanding required.
Rocket engine is removable.

I'm ready to prime.

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Re: Observation...from a different dimension [NASA X-15]

Posted: Wed Jul 29, 2015 12:48 am
by timtamtung
ALmost near the finish now. She's base painted, decals placed and varnished.

A gloss coat will finish her off.

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Re: Observation...from a different dimension [NASA X-15]

Posted: Wed Jul 29, 2015 1:51 am
by timtamtung
This was one cool kit!

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Re: Observation...from a different dimension [NASA X-15]

Posted: Wed Jul 29, 2015 4:24 am
by Homerlovesbeer
Wow what a fast build!