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Thanks for the comment. That's a fascinating theory! While it's true that weather fronts can create interesting cloud formations, the unique shape and persistence of the Taieri Pet suggest a more specific cause. The prevailing theory is that the specific geographic features of the region, particularly the Southern Alps, play a crucial role. As wind flows over these mountains, it creates a wave-like pattern in the atmosphere. The moisture in the air condenses at the peaks of these waves, forming the distinctive lenticular shape. While thermal vents or volcanic activity could potentially contribute to cloud formation in some cases, the consistent and predictable nature of the Taieri Pet suggests a more straightforward explanation tied to the region's topography and wind patterns. Thanks for watching, and check out Ottawa in the autumn: ruclips.net/video/c70qqiQbCv4/видео.html

@@BeyondEarthBuckleUp yes, I misspoke, my intended was ‘topographic’ features; I’ve seen it in the PacNW US where weather systems slam into the Olympics/northern reaches of the Sierra Nevadas and just remain in place - one phenomenon being how cloudy and wet it is all the time there, giving yield to, in my opinion, the greatest natural rain forest ever…and those flora go up 10000/12000 feet in elev, not just at the base of the foothills, right up rainier/hood/adams/st helen

That’s awesome! Thanks for watching. It was Revell. Still available from different decades. Mine came from the 70s. Check out other X-planes :) ruclips.net/video/55wPPafHI1c/видео.html

@@BeyondEarthBuckleUp Mid 60s for me, fascinated with the space program. That kit was followed by capsules and a huge Saturn 5 model. I was 15 at the time.

Hey, thanks for the comment. Even at twice the speed of sound, it’s still an amazing feat of engineering, but the idea of reaching near-hypersonic speeds just adds to the awe of what was accomplished during that era! see more of the early X-planes :) ruclips.net/video/55wPPafHI1c/видео.html

The X-15 ultimately achieved a top speed of Mach 6.70, or 4,520 mph. A record which has never even been approached in the 57 years since it was set.

Hey, Thanks for the comment, and thanks for watching :) A nice little find from NASA! Check out the X-43 ruclips.net/video/6IgXDShGRQA/видео.html

Thank you for your thoughtful comment! The 1960s truly were an incredible time for engineering, with breakthroughs like the X-15 program pushing the limits of what was possible. Inspiring the next generation to get involved in STEM is key to continuing this legacy. Hopefully, young minds today will be motivated by these achievements to reach even greater heights! Thanks for watching and check out early X :) ruclips.net/video/55wPPafHI1c/видео.html

Getting people excited about what the X-15 accomplished more than 60 years ago is the reason I wrote my book about the program. It is wonderful to see the excitement from people who have read it, and also those who come to my presentations on the program all across the world. The X-15 inspired people in the 1960s and continues to do so today.

@@x15galmichelleevans Please send me info on your book and presentations. I have a teenage son that could benefit from this :)

Hey, thanks for the comment! Best story yet! thanks for sharing. There was always an air of excitement whenever we would discuss it in grade school. Keep looking up!

Wow, Imagine being able to watch history unfold like that in front of your eyes! Thanks for sharing!

Hey, thanks for the comment...I, too, would really like to know how fast we're able to go before I go! Thanks for watching!

It's amazing to watch. Thank you for the comment:) Can't wait to see how fast they eventually will go!

@@BeyondEarthBuckleUp This isn't a extensive video list. Keep them coming. The lastest is the X-59, X-47s, X-29, etc., en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_X-planes

Thanks for the suggestions. Will do!

Hey, thanks for the comment. I kind of hope they are sitting somewhere waiting to be found. I really enjoy the historical footage and the memories they bring back. Thanks for watching, and keep looking up! Check out the other X-planes :) ruclips.net/video/55wPPafHI1c/видео.html

Actually, this film was produced and distributed by North American Aviation rather than NASA.

It’s interesting to think about how technology has advanced since the X-15 program, which paved the way for hypersonic research. Thanks for the comment. Check out more:) ruclips.net/video/55wPPafHI1c/видео.html

hey, thanks for the comment! Who would have thought that while pushing the boundaries of space and speed back then, we'd eventually be able to explore so much from the comfort of our homes today? Hats off to those pioneers who ventured to the "fringe" so we could keep an eye on both the stars and our fridge. Thanks for watching, and keep looking up! ruclips.net/video/55wPPafHI1c/видео.html

Hey @williamthethespian, thanks for the comment. I've checked this out and have been told it could be a few prominent figures from the era, including Mike Wallace, Hugh Downs, and even Walter Conkrite. NASA has said it was an unknown voice actor they regularly used during the '60s. If anyone has further information, please let me know :)

Hey, thanks for the comment. Would love to know who it really was. Thanks for watching.

@@BeyondEarthBuckleUp The narrator's name has been lost to history. I used to know it long ago, but have forgotten. This narrator did dozens of government films. There were very few occasions when a well known narrator was contracted for such a film. One of those exceptions was one of my very favorite NASA films. It was titled "A Man's Reach Should Exceed His Grasp" and was narrated by Burgess Meredith. Great film that I still love watching today.

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching. Lovin the daisy! Keep looking up!

Hey @kiereluurs1243, Thnaks for the question. The X-15 was black not just for aesthetics but for a very practical reason-heat management. The aircraft was designed to fly at hypersonic speeds, reaching up to Mach 6. At those speeds, the intense friction with the atmosphere caused the surface temperatures to soar. The black color came from a special ablative coating that helped dissipate heat and protect the aircraft’s structure during its high-speed flights. So, while it may have looked sleek, it was all about function. Thanks for watching and check out NASA's Ranger 8 & 9 :) ruclips.net/video/1BiBveDRI2I/видео.html

The Inconel-X nickle alloy skin of the X-15 appeared black after it was exposed to heat, thus the color that you see. They also knew that this would occur, so when the X-15 was rolled out, they painted it. After it had flown a few missions, the paint was gone, and the natural black heat treated color was left. To be perfectly honest is isn't black, but a deep blue-black.

That's a fantastic explanation! I appreciate your expertise. I just accidentally removed the Mike Wallace Comment, but you are right. Thank you for sharing that detail!

Glad you enjoyed it! Just remember, it was produced with the specific purpose of winning over the American public. Thanks for watching!

Hey, thanks for the comment. Glad you enjoyed it! Check out more real stuff:) ruclips.net/video/6IgXDShGRQA/видео.html

Great question! Yes, the X-15 was equipped with an ejection seat for the pilots' safety. The seat was designed to work at both high speeds and high altitudes, although ejecting at the extreme altitudes the X-15 could reach was always a dangerous prospect. Fortunately, the system was never used in flight, but it was a critical feature considering the extreme conditions the pilots faced during those record-breaking missions! Thanks for watching, and check out the Ultimate Saturn V launch :) ruclips.net/video/0IpskIFBQ-Q/видео.html

@@BeyondEarthBuckleUp The ejection seat on the X-15 was designed to work up to speeds of Mach 4 and 60,000 feet. On the fatal flight with Mike Adams on 15 November 1967, Mike did start the sequence for ejection, but the aircraft came apart due to excessive g loads before the sequence could be completed.

Thank you for sharing this insightful comment. The X-15's ejection seat was indeed an impressive piece of engineering. It was a sobering reminder of the dangers these brave pilots faced while pushing the boundaries of human flight. Thanks for watching!

Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts. Keep looking up!

hey, thanks for the comment. Absolutely! The X-15 was a groundbreaking aircraft, pushing the boundaries of speed and altitude in the 1960s. That ablative coating and scorched appearance really show how intense those hypersonic flights were-like riding a meteor! The stress on the tail fins was incredible, and it’s amazing to think that pilots like Joe Walker and Neil Armstrong controlled such a powerful craft at those speeds. A true marvel of engineering and human courage! Check out the X-43 :)ruclips.net/video/6IgXDShGRQA/видео.html

@@BeyondEarthBuckleUp Yes, there were two missions of the X-15A-2 that used the ablative coating. The ablative was actually pink, and had the consistency of a pencil eraser, but had to have a white paint layer added on top for protection since the ablative itself was oxygen sensitive. To be clear, the tail surfaces were never in danger of disintegration. There was burn through into the engine compartment because of shock wave impingement from the dummy scramjet mounted on the lower vertical tail.

Thanks for the clarification! It’s fascinating to know that the ablative coating on the X-15A-2 was actually pink, with a white protective layer due to its oxygen sensitivity. The detail about the shock wave impingement from the dummy scramjet leading to burn-through in the engine compartment, rather than the tail surfaces being in danger of disintegration, really highlights the intricate engineering challenges faced during these missions. It's incredible how much was learned through testing at the edge of technology! Thanks for the expertise! Keep looking up!

Hey @marktalley2550, thanks for the comment. You are right, it is a little copywriting issue. My apologies. Thanks for watching!

Yes, Joe Walker tragically lost his life in the mid-air collision with the XB-70 Valkyrie in 1966. It was a devastating event during what was meant to be a routine photo op. Thank you for remembering him.

Scott Crossfield truly embodied all of those qualities-a gentleman, a brilliant engineer, an exceptional aviator, and a devoted patriot. Thank you for honoring his memory with such fitting words!

Agree and yet NASA didn’t choose him for astronaut training even though he had more degrees than the guys who were selected😮

Hey @talpajam, thanks for the comment. His contributions, especially with the X-15 program, were crucial to advancing human spaceflight. Check out the X-43 :)ruclips.net/video/6IgXDShGRQA/видео.html

@@sammysouth8372 Scotty was literally told by some friends at NASA in charge of astronaut selection to not bother with applying to the Astronaut Office because he would be turned down. They appreciated his expertise, but felt he was too independent.

Hey @markhooper5824, Glad you enjoyed it. A gem from NASA. Thanks for watching, and check out the early years of NASA :) ruclips.net/video/YGCC1srA7_s/видео.html

Hey, thank you for the comment. That's such a vivid and powerful image! The X-15, with its burn scars and bent frame, truly embodied the extreme conditions and daring of space exploration. The idea of pushing the boundaries of speed and endurance, facing the harshness of space, feels like the ultimate test of human ingenuity. Thanks for watching:)

@@BeyondEarthBuckleUp Thank you. My friend says I am a better poet than novelist. The name of my main book of poems is: Psychiatrists Love Insanity. Let me know if you need help finding it.

@@TranscendianIntendor You are probably recalling images of the X-15A-2 which was covered in a white ablative covering on two missions. The last of those missions was on 3 October 1967 where the X-15 reached a top speed of Mach 6.70 (4,520 mph). When it landed, it was discovered that some major burn through had occurred, and thus the burn scars. It was the only mission that had such scaring after a flight. If you are interested in the X-15, you can check out my book on the subject as well. The title is "The X-15 Rocket Plane, Flying the First Wings into Space." Congratulations on your own poetry book.

Hey, thanks for the comment. How cool is that! His name is synonymous with good flying. Thanks for watching and checking out the Ultimate Saturn V launch :) ruclips.net/video/0IpskIFBQ-Q/видео.html

Thank you for the kind words! You're right-there’s always more to the story, especially with such a groundbreaking program like the X-15. Later flights did indeed push even higher and faster, and by Air Force standards, Armstrong’s flight technically qualified him for astronaut wings before Gagarin's historic journey. Space history is full of fascinating details like this! Glad you enjoyed the documentary!

@@BeyondEarthBuckleUp I wanted to set the record straight on this point: Neil Armstrong did not earn his astronaut wings while flying the X-15. The highest flight that Neil made out of his seven X-15 flights took him to 207,500 feet, or just over 39 miles high. There were 12 pilots who flew the X-15, and 8 of them received astronaut wings for flying above 50 miles, but Neil was one of the 4 pilots who did not achieve that rating. He flew two flights into space, Gemini 8 and Apollo 11.

Thanks for setting the record straight! It’s important to clarify that while Neil Armstrong made significant contributions to the X-15 program and achieved impressive altitudes, he did not qualify for astronaut wings from those flights since he didn't exceed the 50-mile threshold. His groundbreaking work in the Gemini and Apollo programs truly highlights his incredible legacy in space exploration. Every flight contributed to our understanding of space travel, and Armstrong's achievements continue to inspire future generations!

@@BeyondEarthBuckleUp I also wanted to clarify that the first X-15 mission to reach space occurred on 17 July 1962, flown by US Air Force pilot Robert White, which is 15 months after Gagarin's flight. Titov also flew into orbit in 1961 from Russia. In addition, there were three American Mercury flights, two suborbital (Shepard and Grissom) and one orbital (Glenn), prior to White's flight. So the first X-15 flight to reach space was overall the 6th manned spaceflight. It should also be pointed out that Armstrong really messed up when he was on the X-15, contrary to the image we have of him today after his achievements during Gemini and Apollo. His screwups were so notable that his boss, Paul Bikle, nearly fired him from the program. This is when Neil chose to apply to the Astronaut Office in order to move away from the X-15 and Edwards AFB. The Astronaut Office accepted Neil's application, even over the recommendation of Bikle not to do so.

Hey, Could you check out the X-43 :) ruclips.net/video/6IgXDShGRQA/видео.html or the X-15 :) ruclips.net/video/cNjx2ywbIww/видео.html Thanks for the comment.

Hey, Thank you for sharing your thoughts! The enhanced sound in this video was added by NASA to bring a new level of immersion for viewers, but we understand it might not be to everyone's liking. The raw visuals of the Saturn V launch are certainly powerful on their own!. Thanks for watching & Check out the X-43 :) ruclips.net/video/6IgXDShGRQA/видео.html

@@BeyondEarthBuckleUp Thank you very much!

Hey, Thank you for sharing! It was a cool picture, and I didn't think too many people would notice. Good Eye! Check out the X-43 :) ruclips.net/video/6IgXDShGRQA/видео.html

Hey, @Jaysqualityparts. Thanks for your comment! The tail numbers on the X-15 aircraft were actually assigned by the U.S. Air Force and NASA as part of standard aircraft identification procedures. There's no hidden agenda-just routine protocol for tracking and managing these historic experimental planes. Appreciate you watching and engaging with the video! Check out the X-43 :) ruclips.net/video/6IgXDShGRQA/видео.html

Great observation! The X-15's landings were indeed tricky due to its unique design, including the rear landing skids. The pilots had to manage some rough touchdowns, especially since the skids weren't as smooth as conventional landing gear. That quick drop of the nose after the skids made contact was a common sight during X-15 landings. It’s amazing how these test pilots managed such challenging conditions while pushing the boundaries of flight! Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts! Check out the X-43 :) ruclips.net/video/6IgXDShGRQA/видео.html

The skids were located at the aft end of the X-15, and thus a long ways from the center of gravity. Thus, when they touched down, the nose of the X-15 had no way of staying in the air. That is why you will alsways see the nose wheel come down so hard on every landing.

hey @ericanderson2987, I had one too. I think it was the most popular model growing up! Thanks for watching, and check out an Apollo video:) ruclips.net/video/0RoFa_FTGug/видео.html

They sure were! Thanks for watching, and check out the X-43 :) ruclips.net/video/6IgXDShGRQA/видео.html

You can almost feel the vibration! Thanks for watching, and check out the X-43 :)ruclips.net/video/6IgXDShGRQA/видео.html

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Wernher von Braun’s legacy is indeed complex, and his early work with the V-2 rockets during World War II raises important ethical questions. After the war, von Braun played a significant role in advancing the U.S. space program, including the Apollo missions. While his contributions to space exploration are undeniable, it’s crucial to acknowledge the broader context of his life and career. Thanks for watching, and check out the X-15 :) ruclips.net/video/cNjx2ywbIww/видео.html

@@BeyondEarthBuckleUp Well plugged! I'm watching it now.

Hey @TheNobbynoonar. No doubt about it! The X-15 pilots were pushing the absolute limits. They paved the way for modern space exploration and aeronautical advances. True pioneers! Thanks for watching! Check out the Saturn V Ultimate Launch :) ruclips.net/video/0IpskIFBQ-Q/видео.html

Hey @jokkerman4958, What an incredible story! Sitting in the cockpit of the legendary X-15 at such a young age must have been an unforgettable experience, especially with your dad being part of the Test Pilot School. Thanks for sharing such a personal and unique piece of history with us!

Sweet.

hey @HAL9007, Thanks for the comment. Exactly right! no computers, all done with paper and pencil, and lots of cigarettes. Thanks for watching and check out the X-43 :) ruclips.net/video/6IgXDShGRQA/видео.html

@@BeyondEarthBuckleUp Haha, I well remember when we all worked at desks -- 20 or 30 to a room, back in the 70s, 80s. We had those giant ashtrays on our desks, always full of stinky ciggie butts that the night janitors would empty for us. Who remembers the old slide rules? The first ones in the 60s were lateral, like rulers. Later, they developed smaller, circular ones. From Wikipedia: "Aluminium Pickett-brand slide rules were carried on Project Apollo space missions. The model N600-ES owned by Buzz Aldrin that flew with him to the Moon on Apollo 11 was sold at auction in 2007. The model N600-ES taken along on Apollo 13 in 1970 is owned by the National Air and Space Museum. Some engineering students and engineers carried ten-inch slide rules in belt holsters, a common sight on campuses even into the mid-1970s. Until the advent of the pocket digital calculator, students also might keep a ten- or twenty-inch rule for precision work at home or the office while carrying a five-inch pocket slide rule around with them.

Thank you for sharing those details about Scott Crossfield and his legacy. It's amazing to see how deeply he impacted aviation history, from his groundbreaking flights to his dedication to educating future generations. His tragic passing while piloting a Cessna reminds us of the risks these pioneers continually took, even beyond their official careers. Naming a school after him in Herndon, VA is a fitting tribute to someone who not only made history but also remained committed to inspiring others. His contributions will always be remembered.

Scott was no given the proper weather updates, which led to his fatal crash. The final weather report was issued just minutes after he left the airport, and it was never radioed to him, so he had no idea what he was heading into, until it was too late. The terrible things said about Scotty's flying skills by Chuck Yeager after the accident should never be forgotten, not forgiven.

Hey @scroggins100, No doubt about it! The X-15 pilots were pushing the absolute limits, and flying took incredible bravery. They paved the way for modern space exploration and aeronautical advances. True pioneers! Thanks for watching! Check out the Saturn V Ultimate Launch :) ruclips.net/video/0IpskIFBQ-Q/видео.html

Hey, thanks for the comment. Neil Armstrong's name will forever be synonymous with one of humanity's greatest achievements and flying the X-15. Thanks for watching and check out the X-43 :) ruclips.net/video/6IgXDShGRQA/видео.html

Thanks for sharing. I grew up in LA during the seventies and eighties. I was on the cross country team and running through smog alerts. My lungs always felt heavy. The smog is better now, but you are right, just when you think things are getting better. Thanks for watching!

hey @afip4n6doc, Adams was posthumously awarded astronaut wings for his bravery as his flight reached the edge of space. Thanks for watching, and check out the X-43 :) ruclips.net/video/6IgXDShGRQA/видео.html

Hey @glennac, it's more to increase public acceptance and shine a good light than the hard-hitting documentaries of today. Thanks for watching. Check out the X-43 :) ruclips.net/video/6IgXDShGRQA/видео.html

I know, right? Thanks for watching and check out the X-43 :) ruclips.net/video/6IgXDShGRQA/видео.html

Thanks for sharing. What an amazing airplane that kept our imaginations going. Thanks for watching. Check out the X-43 :) ruclips.net/video/6IgXDShGRQA/видео.html

It was a good find from NASA. Thanks for the comment and the correction. Duly noted. If you enjoyed the X-15, you might enjoy the X-43 :) ruclips.net/video/6IgXDShGRQA/видео.html Thanks for watching!

@@BeyondEarthBuckleUp No problem! Subscribed :)

Thanks for subscribing! 🚀

This documentary came from North American Aviation, and it was made long before the updated X-15, the X-15A-2 with the external tanks and ablative coating, was put into service. There were only two missions out of 199 that featured the ablative, and only four that had the external tanks, and onky three of those had fuel on board.