Above and Beyond: An Extra Two Seconds
- By Robert M. White as told to Al Hallonquist
- Air & Space magazine, May 2010
(Page 2 of 4)
"Bob, you know we never let beginners fly this thing," he replies. "You just stick to your toy airplanes and leave the real flying to the pros."
The climbout goes smoothly. The drop pilots will breathe easier after we pass 26,000 feet. Below that altitude, they cannot release the X-15 in an emergency; I would not have enough time to fully jettison the propellants. The excess weight of residual propellants would result in a faster-than-normal landing, and that extra weight could cause structural failure. We had discovered the problem when an X-15 landed with residual propellant: Its fuselage buckled and landing gear collapsed. Above 26,000 feet, the X-15 pilot can either bail out or vent the tanks and land.
During our ascent some of the liquid oxygen (LOX) has boiled off. I have the panel operator top it off. I’ll need all the fuel and oxidizer I can get to surpass 300,000 feet.
We’ve been flying northeasterly en route to the Delamar Lake launch point. Allavie has to time his 180-degree turn to launch me precisely: Being slightly off course could greatly displace the X-15 from the planned route, especially during reentry.
Initially, the B-52 pilot dropped the X-15. But if a pilot tried to yell over the interphone that he wasn’t ready, he might not be heard, and on one flight, the X-15 was very nearly dropped before the pilot was ready. Now the X-15 pilot has complete control of the drop.
One minute prior to launch, I see that a glitch causes the Minneapolis Honeywell MH-96 flight control system to shut down. The "Mini-Honey" takes into account the variables that occur over a vast range of altitudes and speeds—temperatures, atmospheric and dynamic pressures, and more. Without it, the aircraft might not be controllable during reentry. (A precursor to the "fly by wire" systems in virtually all current military aircraft, the MH-96 made the X-15 easier to control with either the aerodynamic control system for flight in the atmosphere or the reaction control system, which was used at very high altitudes where there is no discernible atmosphere.)
Standard procedure says to abort if this system is not working. The MH-96 had been thoroughly tested in prior flights by Neil Armstrong, and performed well. So it’s understandable that when a shutdown occurs, things get a little tense in mission control and on board the B-52.
I do a reset; the MH-96 comes back.
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Comments (10)
Great Article. I can't wait for a book of Robert White stories from his days at Edwards AFB.
Posted by Ray Holt on March 17,2010 | 01:40 PM
When I arrived at Edwards in 1962 the X-15 was in full swing. One of my later duties was to provide F-104 chase planes for the x-15 project. I knew Gen. White as a pilot on the project and later as the Center Commander. He was one super airman and will be missed.
Posted by Lewis C. Baird on March 19,2010 | 01:42 PM
I felt as if I were on the flight with Gen. White. I thank Gen. White and Al Hallonquist for the extra two seconds.
Posted by Garry Laing on March 20,2010 | 09:59 AM
General White wrote a foreword for my book: "Contrails Over the Mojave" which was published by the Naval Institute Press in 2008. I believe his autobiography will be published in the Summer of 2010. He was a great USAF aviator and fine friend. He will be missed by the test pilot community. George J. Marrett
Posted by George J. Marrett on March 22,2010 | 11:19 AM
I, too, felt as if I were in the cockpit with General White. It was an exciting read and I thank all those who made 'my trip' possible. I am forwarding to family and friends for their pleasure.
Posted by ROBERT W SMITH on March 24,2010 | 12:32 PM
Wonderful article. Thanks! It does make me wonder if we could 'fly' our way into orbit. It seems like it might be a lot less expensive than the shuttle.
Posted by Wayne McKenzie on March 25,2010 | 12:48 PM
Al - Knowing you I cannot think of anyone that could relate the story any better. The General was truly a hero and pioneer.
Posted by Brian Kane on March 25,2010 | 12:57 PM
General White was one of the greatest in aviation history. I was several times in contact with him for the publication of my book about world speed records. He was always ready to help me with my questions. He was an officer and a great gentleman. The world will miss him. RIP.
Posted by Bart Vandamme on April 7,2010 | 02:13 PM
The passing of General Bob White reminds us that even our best are still mortal. He and his fellow X-15 pilots set speed and altitude records that still stand nearly a half-century later and they did it all in a mid-1950's aircraft designed by "slipstick" engineers. The X-15 program was the climax of the golden age of high speed flight which lasted only twenty years but left a timeless legacy to aviation. We will never see its like again.
Posted by Bruce Spinney on April 9,2010 | 01:34 AM
I have read all I could find about Mr.White´s carrier and had a lot of admiration for him.Was it not interesting that he came to Spain to evaluate the first Spanish built jet trainer,the Saeta?.He was a great person and really kind. He will be missed.
Posted by Jose A.Chicharro on June 11,2010 | 04:22 PM