Aircraft Reference Information (X-15AD-4)

X-15AD-4.

Note: The X-15AD-4 is a fictitious delta wing X-15, based on different proposed configurations for future X-15 airplanes.

Engines

One (1) Reaction Motors XLR-99 "throttable" liquid-fuel turborocket engine	60,000 lbs (thrust)
Two (2) Thiokol "Castor 1" solid rocket boosters	45,000 lbs (thrust X2)

Aircraft Weight with Solid Rocket Boosters

Launch	46,840 lbs
Burnout (boosters jettisoned)	16,500 lbs
Landing (boosters jettisoned)	15,600 lbs

Aircraft Weight without Solid Rocket Boosters

Launch	36,600 lbs
Burnout	19,200 lbs
Landing	17,500 lbs

Speed Limitations

Note: The current maximum speed attainable in the simulator is approx. Mach 4.65.

MMO – Maximum Aircraft Operating Speed (Mach)	4.65 Mach
Maximum Speed with Boosters Attached (Mach)	2.6 Mach
VLO – Maximum Gear Operating Speed	300 KIAS
VLE – Maximum Landing Gear Extension Speed	300 KIAS
q – Maximum Dynamic Pressure without Boosters	2200 psf
q – Maximum Dynamic Pressure with Boosters	1000 psf
Maximum Acceleration (above 50,000 feet)	8 G

Mach Limitations vs Altitude

10,000 feet	0.8 Mach
20,000 feet	1.6 Mach
30,000 feet	1.8 Mach
40,000 feet	2.8 Mach
50,000 feet	3.5 Mach
60,000 feet	4.0 Mach
70,000 to 100,000 feet	4.65 Mach

Fictitious Ground Takeoff in the Simulator (standard temperature, sea level pressure altitude)

Note: The X-15AD-4 addon can take off from the ground, like any other aircraft in the simulator.

V1 – Aircraft Takeoff Decision Speed (51,600 lbs)	250 KIAS
VR – Aircraft Rotation Speed	275 KIAS
V2 – Aircraft Takeoff Safety Speed	290 KIAS

Launch from a Fictitious Carrier Aircraft in the Simulator

Note: It is possible to simulate a high altitude launch from a fictitious carrier aircraft by using the slew mode commands* to reposition the X-15AD-4 without flying in real time or by changing the altitude and speed settings in the map dialog box. A high altitude launch flight can also be loaded.

Recommended Launch Altitude	38,000 to 45,000 feet
Recommended Launch Speed	0.75 to 0.82 Mach

Solid Rocket Boosters Release

Note: Under normal flight conditions, solid rocket boosters should be released as soon as practical after they are burned out, at about 125,000 feet and Mach 2.8, in a zero-G normal load factor condition and an angle of attack of about 10 degrees.

The maximum Mach number to be reached by the X-15AD-4 with the solid rocket boosters attached is 2.8. The boosters must be released before reaching that speed. This limit is imposed because flight characteristics for this configuration have not been determined for higher Mach numbers.

Maximum Mach Number with Solid Rocket Boosters Attached	3.0 Mach
Recommended Mach Number for Solid Rocket Boosters Release	2.5 to 3.0 Mach
Recommended Altitude for Solid Rocket Boosters Release	80,000 to 150,000 feet
Maximum Angle of Attack with Solid Rocket Boosters Attached	16 degrees
Recommended Angle of Attack for Solid Rocket Boosters Release	5 to 10 degrees
Normal Load Factor Condition Recommended	0-G

Altitude Limitations (Typical)

Aircraft Operating Altitude	45,000 to 200,000 feet
Aircraft Ceiling (maximum) Altitude	520,000 feet

Other Limitations (Typical)

Maximum Allowable Rate of Roll

100 degrees per second

Speed Brakes

The speed brakes are not to be used at full deflection below Mach 1.5.

Note: The speed brakes on this airplane were not designed for use as a low-speed drag device. Their design function is to provide necessary drag conditions for control of the airplane at supersonic speeds and relatively high altitudes.

Prohibited Maneuvers

The real-world airplane was restricted from performing the following maneuvers:

1. Spin

2. Snap Rolls

3. Snap Maneuvers

Propellant Jettison

Note: While approaching the landing site, the remaining propellants must be jettisoned to minimize fire or explosion hazards and to lower the weight of the aircraft.

Maximum Speed at 30,000 feet	0.60 Mach
Maximum Speed at 15,000 feet	0.45 Mach

Dummy Ramjet Jettison

Note: Under normal flight conditions, the dummy ramjet should not be jettisoned except during landing approach. The ramjet must be jettisoned to provide ground clearance for the landing gear.

Maximum Mach Number	300 KIAS or 3.5 Mach, whichever comes first
Recommended Altitude	5000 feet
Minimum Altitude	1500 feet
Maximum Angle of Attack	16 degrees
Maximum Rate of Roll	30 degrees per second

Landing

High Key Point (106 seconds from landing)	15,200 feet, 300 KIAS, gear and flaps up (45-degree bank turn)
180-Turn (82 seconds)	11900 feet, 270 KIAS, gear and flaps up
Low Key Point (58 seconds)	8700 feet, 240 KIAS, gear and flaps up (180 degrees opposite to the runway)
90-Degree Point (36 seconds)	5800 feet, 240 KIAS, gear and flaps up (90 degrees perpendicular to the runway)
Ventral (or ramjet) Jettison	5000 feet, 240 KIAS (lined up with the runway)
Gear Down (10 seconds)	2700 feet, 240 KIAS, 1.29 G pullout
Flare Completed	2200 feet, 174 KIAS
Touchdown (0 seconds)	174 KIAS
VREF - Landing Approach Speed (flaps extended, gear down)	174 KIAS
Aircraft Stalling Speed	100 KIAS

Note: For explanations of speeds used on this tab, see "V-speeds" in the Learning Center Glossary (Flight Simulator X).

*: For instructions on how to use the slew commands to reposition the aircraft without flying in real time, see "Slewing" in the Learning Center Glossary (Flight Simulator X).