Space & Autographs Auction Space & Autographs Auction Jan. 2014 | Page 17

High Altitude Program

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1959-70 XLR-99 ROCKET ENGINE NOZZLE FOR THE X-15 ................................................................ PH $35,000-50,000

Outstanding XLR-99 restartable liquid propellant rocket engine nozzle for use in the North American X-15 experimental aircraft,
flown by such men as Neil Armstrong, Scott Crossfield and Joe Engle. This one has definitely been fired. Developed by the
Reaction Motors Division of Thiokol for North American, it was the first large man-rated rocket engine that could be throttled
and with restart ability, and could deliver 57,000 pounds of thrust. Using this engine, the X-15 set many speed and altitude
records in the 1960s. This engine measures about five feet in overall length with end exhaust diameter of 30", and weighs
approximately 200 pounds. Similar to the one sold in our Jan 2012 Auction, but missing the injector assembly. During the X-15
program, 13 different flights by eight pilots met the USAF spaceflight criterion by exceeding the altitude of 50 miles thus
qualifying the pilots for astronaut status. A remarkable and historical rocket engine. (Shipped F.O.B. from Los Angeles, CA,
subject to export permit)

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1959-70 X-15 ROCKET ENGINE TURBO-PUMP DRIVE SHAFT ................................................................................................ PH $2500-3500

High-grade stainless steel 26' long turbo-pump drive shaft (2½” diameter), which was part of XLR-99 rocket engine, which fed oxidizer and
anhydrous ammonia to the engine for combustion, helping X-15 to achieve altitude and speed records. Great condition and weighing about 14
pounds.

Saint Louis, Missouri

Space 1.pmd

Aviation & Space Memorabilia

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