Object Details
Manufacturer
Reaction Motors, Inc.
Summary
This is the so-called Interim Engine of the X-15 rocket research aircraft and is made up of two joined XLR-11 rocket engines. The XLR-11 was the standard engine for the earlier Bell X-1 and other rocket research aircraft. The Interim powerplant was used in the X-15 from 1959-1961 due to developmental delays of that aircraft's newer and more powerful XLR-99 Pioneer rocket engine. The Interim engines achieved the X-15's first 29 powered flights. The Interim engine produced a total of 16,400 pounds from its four chambers and was sufficient for the preliminary test flights of the X-15. It achieved some notable records in that phase of the X-15 program. This Interim Engine was transferred to the Smithsonian in 1963 from the U.S. Air Force.
Credit Line
Gift of the United States Air Force
Inventory Number
A19630365000
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Type
PROPULSION-Rocket Engines
Materials
Mainly stainless steel, some titanium, some copper alloy tubing; pump housing, cast aluminum; insulated electrical wiring.
Dimensions
Length, 82 inches; width, 42 inches; height, 48 inches; length, thrust cylinders (8), 21.75 inches each; diameter, cylinders (8), 6 inches each; weight, approximately 500 pounds (empty weight of each XLR-11 is 210 pounds),
Country of Origin
United States of America
See more items in
National Air and Space Museum Collection
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nasm_A19630365000