X-15 North American: Our North American X-15 model airplane is made of the finest grade materials which underwent stages of meticulous and careful sanding, carving and modeling to its original form. Our craftsmen and artisans ensure finely handcrafted North American X-15 model airplane with precise blueprint details of the original airplane. The North American X-15 model airplane’s paint scheme, markings and parts are extremely accurate and complete, reflecting the true original North American X-15 model airplane. It also comes with a sturdy, durable base with a chrome steel support mounting rod. This top-quality North American X-15 model airplane will surely mesmerize anyone who receives this elegant desktop display as a gift. North American X-15 History: The North American X-15 was a rocket-powered research aircraft that was part of the USAF/NASA/USN X-series of experimental aircraft. Designed to explore the problems of flight at very high speeds and altitudes, it bridged the gap between manned flight in the atmosphere and space flight. After its initial test flights in 1959, it became the first winged aircraft to attain hypersonic velocities of Mach 4, 5, and 6 and to operate at altitudes above 30,500 meters. The X-15 and other research aircraft contributed to the advancement of aerospace technology. Three X-15s were built in all, and they made a total of 199 test flights, the last one on October 24, 1968. Plans were made for a 200th X-15 flight to be launched over Smith Ranch, Nevada, scheduled for November 21, 1968. However, various technical and weather delays caused the planned launch to slip at least six times until late December 1968. Finally after a cancellation on December 20, 1968 due to weather, it was decided that there would not be a 200th flight. X-15 #1 was sent to the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC. X-15 #2 is on display at the National Museum of the United States Air Force at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton, Ohio. X-15 #3 was destroyed in a crash on November 15, 1967. Twelve test pilots flew the X-15, including Neil Armstrong, who would later become the first man on the Moon, and Joe Engle, who went on to command Space Shuttle missions. Each X-15 scale model that we offer is made from materials of the highest quality. Every part of the model aircraft is handcrafted before undergoing several phases of priming and sanding. Skilled artists carefully duplicate the details, which are then sealed in with clear lacquer. A faithful reproduction of the original X-15, our replica will be perfect as an addition to a personal collection or as executive gifts and promotional incentives. This model has measurements of: Span: 8 1/4" Len: 18 3/4" and Scale: 1/32