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For test pilots such as Mr. Engle, the X-15 was beloved because it was still fundamentally a plane, which they controlled from airborne launch to its landing on dry lakebeds in California.
Among the pilots who flew the X-15 was Neil Armstrong, who had gained experience flying the X-1B supersonic rocket plane. He was the first X-15 pilot and flew the aircraft a total of seven times.
Joe Engle, who had the distinction of being the only astronaut to pilot an X-15 aircraft and a space shuttle, died in Houston on Wednesday, July 10. He was 91.
For test pilots such as Mr. Engle, the X-15 was beloved because it was still fundamentally a plane, which they controlled from airborne launch to its landing on dry lakebeds in California.
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The Last Surviving X-15 Pilot, Space Shuttle Test Pilot Joe Engle Dies at 91 - MSNA stronaut, X-15 test pilot and space shuttle pilot Joe Engle has died at home in Houston, Texas. He was 91. Engle passed peacefully surrounded by his family according to a NASA press release.
Astronaut, X-15 test pilot and space shuttle pilot Joe Engle has died at home in Houston, Texas. He was 91. Engle passed peacefully surrounded by his family according to a NASA press release.
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