A unique Haynes Manual, providing fascinating technical insight into the development and use of rocket planes, focusing on the iconic X-15, which carried out much of the development work for the Apollo and Space Shuttle space programmes.

How systems developed for the X-15 were applied to manned spacecraft, including the use of telemetry to transmit live data real-time, the design of the side-stick controller, the use of thrusters for stability outside the atmosphere and the use of a mission management concept which formed the basis for controlling the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo flights of the 1960s.Working descriptions of the way the X-15 engineering principles and research data were vital to the development of the NASA Shuttle.Details of the way the X-15 was designed, and an explanation of the technologies specifically developed for the aircraft, including research into hypersonic flight, and the unique propulsion system.Descriptions of the tracking and data gathering equipment, the selection and conversion of a carrier plane for the X-15 and the design and control of the Edwards Air Force Base test range from where the 199 flights originated.Details of the men who engineered and flew the X-15, including legendary North American test pilot Scott Crossfield and NASA's Neil Armstrong.Appendices identifying primary data for each of the 199 flights, along with a glossary of terms.