X-15-2/3 Add On Rocket Aircraft For Flight Simulator X for PC

Overview
This package contains 2 versions of the X-15-2 and two versions of the X-15-3 aircraft, all equipped with the mighty XLR-99 rocket engine. The X-15-2, serial number AF56-6671 became the first X-15 aircraft to test the million-horsepower XLR-99 rocket engine in flight.

The X-15-2 was delivered to Edwards Air Force Base in April 1959 and completed 31 flights 9 with the interim XLR-11 engines before it was damaged during an emergency landing in November 1962, and eventually repaired and modified to become the advanced X-15A-2.

The X-15-3, serial number AF56-6672 was delivered to Edwards in the summer of 1959.The aircraft was seriously damaged in June 1960 when its ammonia and hydrogen peroxide tanks exploded while testing the new XLR-99 engine on the ground. Pilot Scott Crossfield was uninjured and the aircraft was rebuilt.

In August 1963, NASA pilot Joe Walker set an altitude record of 354,200 feet in the No. 3 aircraft, the highest flight of the X-15 research program. The X-15-3 completed 65 flights between December 1961 and November 1967.

Sadly, the airplane was lost during a tragic accident in November 1967 that took the life of Air Force pilot Michael Adams.

Features
Custom X-15 flight model to simulate rocket-powered high-speed and high-altitude flight in FS2004 and FSX

Supersonic flight up to Mach 4.65 in FS2004 and FSX

High-altitude flight up to 354,200 feet in FSX, 100,000 feet in FS2004

Can be launched either from a high altitude like the real X-15 or take off from an airport runway like other Flight Simulator aircraft

Good maneuvrability at supersonic speeds and excellent gliding capabilities

Highly detailed 3D models with more than 300 parts, 60 animations, reflective textures and unique markings, based on archive material

Fully functional instrument panels with 240 custom gauges and systems to simulate almost every step and procedure required in a typical X-15 mission

Spectacular visual effects including rocket engine flames, APU exhaust and propellant jettison effects

Uses a custom fuel management system with three different types of propellants water-alcohol or ammonia, liquid oxygen and hydrogen peroxide and pressurized helium or nitrogen, like in the real-world X-15 rocket plane

Includes a comprehensive 100-page user manual inspired from the original X-15 utility flight manuals, in a printable PDF format English and French language versions are included with the software