Before Takeoff

In case a "FIRE" warning [47, fig. 5-1], "APU COMPT HOT" [29, fig. 5-1], or "H2O2 HOT" [28, fig. 5-1] light comes on before takeoff, notify the carrier pilot that an X-15 emergency is in progress (refer to "Fire or Explosion" below), and prepare to abandon the airplane.

In-Flight

In case of an emergency during captive flight, the carrier pilot must verify the emergency and ascertain the danger to the crew. It will be the carrier pilot's responsibility to initiate one or more of the following emergency procedures:

• X-15 emergency launch (refer to "Emergency Launch" below).

• X-15 pilot ejection (refer to "Ejection" below).

• Abort mission or launch (refer to "Aborted Launch").

The five basic rules covering selection of the proper procedure are as follows:

1. X-15 hazardous to B-52 – Launch X-15 (this may be preceded by X-15 pilot ejection if the X-15 is hazardous to the X-15 pilot).

2. B-52 hazardous to X-15 below critical altitude – Eject X-15 pilot and B-52 crew.

3. B-52 hazardous to X-15 above critical altitude – Launch X-15 and eject B-52 crew.

4. X-15 emergency not immediately hazardous – Return to base for landing.

5. B-52 emergency not immediately hazardous - Return to base for landing.

Emergency Launch

In case of an emergency aboard the B-52 which endangers the X-15 or in case of an emergency in the X-15 which would endanger the B-52, it is possible to emergency-launch the X-15. If time and altitude permit a launching of this type, proceed as follows:

1. Oxygen selector switch [18, fig. 4-2] – Switch from carrier supply to X-15 supply.

2. Ventral arming switch [35, fig. 5-1] – ARM.

3. Emergency battery switch [23, fig. 5-1] – ON. If the APUs are not operating at the time of emergency launch, the emergency battery must be ON to enable APU start.

4. No. 1 and No. 2 APU switches [17, 30, fig. 5-1] – ON. Monitor hydraulic guages [13, fig. 5-1] for both systems as APUs come up to speed.

5. No.  1 and No.  2 generator switches [21, 26, fig. 5-1] – To RESET momentarily,  then to ON.

6. Ram-air lever [16, fig. 5-3] – CLOSED.

7. Cabin source helium shutoff valve switch [12, fig. 5-9] – ON, then OFF.

8. Pressure-cooling lever [12, fig. 5-9] – ON.

9. Blower switches [12, fig. 5-9] – ON.

10. Instrumentation master switch [15, fig. 5-3] – ON.

11. Stable platform instruments switch [15, fig. 5-3] – ON.

12. Stable platform power switch [33, fig. 5-1] – INT.

If engine start is desired:

1. Engine master switch [63, fig. 5-1] – ON.

2. Engine reset button [62, fig. 5-1] – Push.

3. Engine precool switch [61, fig. 5-1] – ON.

4. Engine prime switch [56, fig. 5-1] – PRIME.

5. Ready-to-launch switch [52, fig. 5-1] – ON.

6. Vent, pressurization, and  jettison lever [11, fig. 5-4] – PRESSURIZE.

7. Engine turbopump idle button [54, fig. 5-1] – Push.

8. Engine igniter idle switch [53, fig. 5-1] – IGNITER.

9. Throttle [12, fig. 5-4] – START, then AS DESIRED.

If no engine start is desired:

1. Vent, pressurization, and  jettison lever [11, fig. 5-4] – JETTISON.