This is the #2 X-15 just after being
dropped from the B-52. The rocket engine would be in igniter idle just
prior to drop, the pilot would tend to waste little time at this point
to start the engine. At this moment the pilot also will be correcting
the X-15's tendency to roll right on release. The initial roll moment
is a consequence of local airflow below the B-52 wing, between its
inboard nacelles and the fuselage.
This image is believed to be an
Air Force photo. This rendition was copied from
Files\pics\xlr11launch.jpg on the
Apogee Books
CDROM packaged with their book,
X-15 - The
NASA Mission
Reports.
