X-Planes from the X-1 to the X-60: An Illustrated History

The U.S. government has invested heavily in advanced aerospace research over the past 75 years, with the X-Planes program being a significant part of this effort. This book provides a comprehensive overview of the program's history, including the technological evolution of the X-planes and the wider political and social context in which they operated.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 163 pages
Publication date: 21 December 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

For the past 75 years, the United States government has dedicated substantial time and resources to advanced aerospace research, as evidenced by its numerous experimental X-plane aircraft and rockets. NASA's X-Planes delve into a fundamental question: What have we learned from this extensive investment? To provide an answer, the authors offer a comprehensive overview of the X-planes' long history, spanning from the 1946 X-1 to the modern X-60. The chapters not only detail the technological advancements of these models but also shed light on the broader political, fiscal, and inter-agency dynamics that have shaped their development. The book is structured into two sections. The first section explores the operational X-planes that symbolized the Cold War rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union. The second section examines post-Cold War aircraft and spacecraft.

Featuring dozens of original illustrations showcasing X-plane cross-sections, in-flight profiles, close-ups, and more, this book caters to both general readers and specialists in the field.

The authors' meticulous research and engaging storytelling make this book a valuable addition to the literature on aerospace history and technology. It provides a deeper understanding of the contributions and challenges of these remarkable aircraft, as well as their impact on the course of scientific exploration and national security.

Weight: 467g
Dimension: 279 x 210 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030864002
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021