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Please note that our logo is used on our website images only and does not appear on our products. Faster and Higher by Stan Stokes. (B) In late 1954 requests for proposals went out for a hypersonic aircraft capable of Mach 7 and a ceiling of 50 miles. This was to be the third aircraft in the experimental series (following the X-1 and X-2), and its mission would be to explore the upper ranges of the atmosphere at hypersonic speeds. North American won the contract in 1955. The North American X-15 research aircraft, the most successful research aircraft in history, has flown faster and higher than any manned aircraft. Powered by a rocket motor generating 57,000 pounds of thrust by burning a combination of liquid oxygen and anhydrous ammonia, the X-15 was launched from a specially modified B-52 mother ship for each of its flights. Because of the high temperatures which would be encountered in flight, special alloys were incorporated in the design. At extreme altitudes, when in fact the X-15 would technically be in space, the aircraft was controlled by a thruster system using hydrogen peroxide jets. On the aircrafts first non-powered flight on June 8, 1959, North Americans test pilot Scott Crossfield had his hands full trying to land the X-15. Nine days later the X-15 embarked on its first powered flight, and obtained a speed of Mach 2.3. Eventually, Crossfield would take the X-15 to an altitude of 81,200 feet and a speed of Mach 2.97 on November 15, 1960. The aircraft was then turned over to NASA which would put the aircraft through a series of dazzling record-breaking flights over the next few years. NASA test pilot Joe Walker took the X-15 to an altitude of 67 miles, which is 17 miles beyond what is considered to be the outer limits of the Earths atmosphere. This is the highest altitude ever reached by a manned aircraft, not considering the Space Shuttle. One of the X-15s was modified and on October 3, 1967 Major William Pete Knight reached the amazing speed of Mach 6.72. Over nearly a decade of test flights the X-15 was piloted by only twelve men. Included in this exclusive group were Neil Armstrong, and Michael Adams, who was killed in an X-15 accident. William H. Dana was the last pilot to fly the X-15 on its final flight on October 24, 1968. Reaching Mach 5.38 and an altitude of 255,000 feet the flight was successful. After approximately 200 flights, the X-15 program was terminated in late 1968. The information obtained from these flights had numerous benefits to both the American space program, and to the development of high speed fixed wing aircraft. Item Code : STK0145B Faster and Higher by Stan Stokes. (B) - This Edition TYPE EDITION DETAILS SIZE SIGNATURES OFFERS YOUR PRICE PURCHASING PRINT 225 prints from the signed limited edition of 4750 prints, with signature of Stan Stokes and pilot, and a remarque. Just two of this print edition now available. Image size 16 inches x 11.5 inches (41cm x 30cm) Knight, Willaim J Pete + Artist : Stan Stokes Signature(s) value alone : £40 £145.00 All prices on our website are displayed in British Pounds Sterling

Other editions of this item : Faster and Higher by Stan Stokes. STK0145 TYPE EDITION DETAILS SIZE SIGNATURES OFFERS YOUR PRICE PURCHASING PRINT Signed limited edition of 4750 prints. Supplied with signed and numbered certificate of authenticity. Print size 16 inches x 11.5 inches (41cm x 30cm) Artist : Stan Stokes £15 Off! Now : £35.00 VIEW EDITION... PRINT Limited edition of 25 giclee art prints. Size 21 inches x 14 inches (53cm x 36cm) Artist : Stan Stokes £109.00 VIEW EDITION... PRINT Prints from the 225 prints from the signed limited edition of 4750 prints, with signature of Stan Stokes and pilot. Image size 16 inches x 11.5 inches (41cm x 30cm) Knight, Willaim J Pete + Artist : Stan Stokes Signature(s) value alone : £40 £40 Off! Now : £105.00 VIEW EDITION... GICLEE CANVAS Limited edition of 100 giclee canvas prints. SOLD OUT. Size 36 inches x 24 inches (91cm x 61cm) none SOLD OUT VIEW EDITION... General descriptions of types of editions :

Extra Details : Faster and Higher by Stan Stokes. (B)

About all editions : A photograph of an edition of the print :

Signatures on this item
*The value given for each signature has been calculated by us based on the historical significance and rarity of the signature. Values of many pilot signatures have risen in recent years and will likely continue to rise as they become more and more rare.
Name	Info
USAF Col William J Pete Knight (deceased) *Signature Value : £40	Pete Knight was born in NovIesville, Indiana on November 18, 1929. He attended Butler and Purdue Universities, and was commissioned through the Aviation Cadet Program of the USAF in 1952. Following his flight training Pete was assigned to the Air Defense Command as a jet fighter pilot. He won the Allison Jet Trophy at the National Air Show in Dayton in 1954. Pete graduated from the Air Force Institute of Technology in 1954 earning a degree in aeronautical engineering. He then transferred to Edwards Air Force Base to attend Experimental Test Pilots School from which he graduated in 1959. He remained at Edwards following graduation as a fighter test pilot. From 1960 - 1963 Pete was involved with the Dyna-Soar program. Following cancellation of that program Pete returned to Edwards and completed Aerospace Research Pilots School. He began work on the X-15 program in 1965. He established the world speed record of 4,520 MPH in the X-15, a record which stands till this day. He earned his astronaut wings on a flight in the X-15 to an altitude of more than 50 miles. He was personally presented the Harmon International Aviators Trophy by President Johnson in 1968, and was inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame in 1988. He served as the Vice Commander of Edwards Air Force Base prior to his retirement from the United States Air Force with the rank of Colonel following thirty-two years of service. Colonel Knight flew more than one hundred different types of aircraft during his career as a test pilot. He also flew 253 combat missions in Vietnam. Following his military career Pete began a career in politics. His first position was as a member of the Palmdale City Council. He then became the first popularly elected Mayor of Palmdale in 1988. From 1992-1996 Pete was an Assemblymen in the California legislature. In 1996 he was elected to the State Senate where he serves on the Senate Education, Revenue and Taxation, Governmental Organization committees. Pete is also Vice-Chairman of the Senates Veterans Affairs Committee. Pete is known throughout his district by his open door policy. He makes a concerted effort to speak with anyone who wants to speak with him. This sense of service has made Senator Knight one of the most popular public figures in the Antelope Valley of California. Pete's numerous military decorations include the Distinguished Flying Cross with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the Legion of Merit with two Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Air Medal with ten Oak Leaf Clusters. William Knight passed away on 8th May 2004.

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