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> No way! Prove it - just post your photo - waist down will do...
>
> Gary Casey
Well, ok. The engine was turning, but at 80% with speedbrakes, which
simulated a failed engine. Actually the approaches were more fun and easier
than a standard pattern. We routinely flew them in the early 70's at
Edwards.
Let's see, the X-15 approach had a high key of 25,000' msl right over the
center of the runway. Like I said, 80% rpm, speed brakes, take-off flaps,
gear up, maintain 400KIAS to the flare. Get the gear in the flare. One 270
deg turn from 25,000' to touchdown at a field elevation of 2300'. Really a
kick. May be wrong about the T/O flaps. That may have been a different
approach.
Our dirty low L/D approach was a straight-in with a glide path of about 28
deg. You'd actually look at the runway over the canopy bow. The X-15
approach was about 12 deg.
You really don't want to see a photo of me, but I guess I'll include one.
It was taken in 1971, but I look the same today. <g>
I don't suppose you'd believe I took one to 104,000 ft, would you.
Guess we should get back to Lancairs....
Paul Nafziger
LNC2 N7PN
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