Message posted by Tom on November 10, 2003 at 18:59:11 PST:
I'm far from an expert on X-15 operations, but I know a bit. They had a standard track called the "High Route" (or something similar) that ran from SW Utah back to Edwards. There was an electronic data gathering link that paralleled the route that still exists today, although GREATLY enhanced. Bald Mountain is one important node. During a test, the entire operation was orchestrated such that a series of emergency landing sites were available depending on how long the engine burned)assuming a premature engine shutdown). Delamar was one, as was Mud Lake. Groom was also one, but you have to look carefully at the program documentation to see it. That info was generally not mentioned too loudly. There is a bit of info online. See the attached link, and click on "Planned Flight Path". It will bring up a gif file of a typical test (or not so typical, as this resulted in a crash). Tom
In Reply to: Re: Ancient History: X-15 Landing at Mud Lake, Or Was It Groom Lake? posted by Wildweasel on November 10, 2003 at 11:30:20 PST:
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