The X-15 experimental aircraft achieved its first hypersonic flight on June 23, 1961, soaring at speeds over five times the speed of sound. Later, the X-43A reached about 7,000 mph using innovative engines that harnessed atmospheric oxygen. For nearly eight decades, NASA Armstrong has been at the forefront of high-speed research, achieving these and many other milestones. Today, our engineers are developing technologies to make space access safer and more affordable, and to bring routine commerc

At NASA Armstrong we are always innovating. We recently installed a high-power thrust stand to test the engines on our F-15 fleet. At 60,000 pounds, it is currently the highest rated hold back assembly at Edwards Air Force Base. This video shows the F-15B performing a sunrise twin-engine afterburner run at the high-power thrust stand. | NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center