Above and Beyond: An Extra Two Seconds
- By Robert M. White as told to Al Hallonquist
- Air & Space magazine, May 2010
(Page 3 of 4)
As Allavie rolls the B-52 onto the heading of 222 degrees, at the launch speed of 0.82 Mach, I start the first-stage ignition. Think of this as a pilot light on a gas stove; there is no real power yet because it’s "idling." Joe Walker calls the countdown: "Four…three…two…one…LAUNCH!"
I flick the "Drop" toggle switch. The X-15 falls away and I shove the throttle forward. The acceleration is tremendous, and as I pitch up in a 40-degree climb, the G-forces build. X-15 pilot Bill Dana was fond of saying that because of the 4 Gs against the chest endured during powered flight, the X-15 is the only aircraft in which he was glad when the engine quit.
The plan called for an 80-second burn to reach 282,000 feet and Mach 5.15. But this engine performed very well, and by topping off the LOX, I was able to burn the engine for an extra two seconds, which allowed me to accelerate to Mach 5.45 and peak at 314,750 feet, becoming the first person to fly an aircraft above 300,000 feet and also the first pilot to fly a winged vehicle into space.
The X-15 now starts to decelerate. I can feel the MH-96 firing. At this altitude my standard controls are ineffective, so the MH-96 is now using jets of hydrogen peroxide to control yaw, pitch, and roll, keeping the nose on the proper heading.
While I am enjoying the view, I startle Walker when I transmit: "There’s something out there." He does not know if I mean something is going wrong with the flight, or if something is out there flying along with me.
No time to worry about this now; reentry is fast approaching. When it begins, the "eyeballs out" negative G forces start to build. I place my helmet against the reverse headrest, which allows my helmet to settle forward slightly and stay in place as the aircraft decelerates and the pressures on my body increase. Without this headrest, the negative G forces would push my head so far forward I could lose sight of the control panel.
The X-15 soon encounters enough atmosphere to regain the use of the aerodynamic control surfaces. Coming out almost directly over Edwards Air Force Base, we are still at Mach 3-plus and around 75,000 feet, much faster and higher than previous X-15 flights. Overflying the landing site, I make one circle and roll out on heading, having lost enough altitude to be right on target for the lakebed runway. The Gs are so great that after the flight I find a huge patch of burst capillaries all over my right shoulder and chest (it disappears after a few days).
I was highly satisfied with the touchdown, but I had to get ready for the flight to Washington, so there was no time for a formal debrief. However, some of the engineers and staff did ask me about my comment that there was "something out there." I described the object as the color of cardboard, about six feet by six feet, and explained that it flew formation with me briefly. They scratched their heads and looked at me funny, but let me go.
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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