Edwards Air Force Base, X-15 Engine Test Complex, Rogers Dry Lake, east of runway between North Base & South Base, Boron, Kern County, CA

Significance: AS the only facility for testing X-15 engines, individually and with the aircraft, the X-15 facility is strongly associated with the United States Man-in-Space program, and particularly with the development of North American Aviation's X-15 rocket aircraft. In 1962, the X-15 became the first aircraft to fly beyond the earth's atmosphere, creating the link between atmospheric flight and space flight. Beginning in 1958, tests performed at the X-15 engine test complex resulted in the data needed to modify and refine the X-15's powerful rocket engine. The X-15 complex has been recommended eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places under Criterion A.

Survey number: HAER CA-235

Building/structure dates: 1958 Initial Construction

boron edwards air force base test complex engine test complex rogers dry rogers dry lake runway north base south base kern county air force california david g de vries historic american engineering record us air force photo x 15 engine test complex ultra high resolution high resolution usaf air force base library of congress national register of historic places

1969 - 1980

Library of Congress

http://www.loc.gov/

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