This Day in Aviation History
October 3rd, 1967
William J. Knight broke a world aircraft speed record in an X-15.
 
On October 3, 1967, Knight set a world aircraft speed record for manned aircraft by piloting the X-15A-2 to 4,520 miles per hour (7,274 km/h) (Mach 6.72), a record that still stands today. During 16 flights in the aircraft, Knight also became one of only five pilots to earn their Astronaut Wings by flying an airplane in space, reaching an altitude of 280,500 feet (85,500 m)…..
 
Source:
Wikipedia, William J. Knight: http://gstv.us/1L2zc6q
 
Wikipedia, North American X-15: http://gstv.us/1L2zfPv
 
YouTube, Research Project X-15 — NASA film about the hypersonic rocket plane: http://gstv.us/1jEpNvU
 
YouTube, X-15A-2 damage after mach 6.7 flight: http://gstv.us/1jEpS2y
 
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Photo from: http://gstv.us/1jEqup3
 
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