Flown nose cone from an external fuel tank for an X-15 A-2 rocket plane. Aluminum construction tank measures approximately 23″ high with a diameter of 19.5.″ Cone is stenciled with several labels including one that reads, “Cone is explosively separated. Clear after loading cartridges.” The X-15 A-2 was modified in 1964 with new features, including jettisonable external tanks for liquid ammonia and liquid oxygen. These tanks provided roughly 60 seconds of additional engine burn and were used on the aircraft’s Mach 6.7 flight on October 3, 1967. The high cost of these tanks dictated that they be reusable, and each one contained its own recovery parachute in the tank’s nose cone. External tanks were flown on four missions from 1965 to 1967. Seven of the eight tanks were recovered in reusable condition. In fine condition, with minor scratches and scuffs. RRAuction COA.
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