The Radioactive Alternative To The X-15 - Faster, Higher, Cheaper. The Douglas D-684

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United States Scott Manley
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Published on ● Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kB4mPei_x-I


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During the 1950's when designers created their proposals for what would become the X-15 the Douglas D684 stood out as being lighter, faster & cheaper than the others.
It was also made of a slightly radioactive alloy.
Ultimately it lost the competition for this decision, but not for the reason you might think.
If you want to read more I suggest the book 'X-15 - Extending The Frontier Of Flight' by Dennis R. Jenkins - available for free on NASA's website.
https://www.nasa.gov/connect/ebooks/aero_x15_detail.html



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Tags:
x-15
douglas d684
douglas d671
douglas d558
air force
navy
naca
nasa