X-15A-2 with External Tanks Limitations

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Airspeed Limitations


  1. The maximum q (dynamic pressure) is 1000 psf with the external tanks attached.


  1. The maximum allowable Mach number with the external tanks installed is Mach 2.6. This limit is imposed because flight characteristics for this configuration have not been determined for higher Mach numbers.



Symmetrical Acceleration Limitations


  1. Symmetrical limitations with the external tanks attached are -2.2 G and -1.0 G.



External Tanks Release Limitations


  1. Captive Flight − There is no information available concerning external tanks release during captive flight.


  1. After Launch − When external tanks are to be released, airplane transient motions (pitch, roll, and yaw) should be kept to a minimum, and the tanks must be pressurized.


  1. Full Tanks − When engine malfunction occurs immediately after launch, the external tanks should be released full as soon as possible and before attempting a restart. The airplane angle-of-attack should be approximately 10 degrees at tank release. If an engine restart was accomplished more than 20 seconds after launch with external tanks attached, the ensuing pull up would cause the G-limit or dynamic pressure limit of the airplane to be exceeded.


  1. Empty Tanks − The external tanks should be released as soon as practical after they are empty



See also:


Aircraft Reference Information (X-15A-2)

X-15A-2 Drop Tank System