X-15

X-15 was released 1961. Inspired by the experimental X-15, the first piloted aircraft to achieve hypersonic flight, as well as the first to achieve flight above the stratosphere. The X-15 was only one in a long series of X-planes. The film was a dramatization of the rocket plane's development program, which was among the very earliest NASA programs; inherited from NACA (the predecessor of NASA). Featuring a cast of characters, with pilots, flight engineers, crew and their families, the plot line was an imaginary story depicted around real events. X-15 starred David McLean, Charles Bronson, James Gregory and Mary Tyler Moore (her first film role). The debut of Richard Donner, as director, with narration by James Stewart. Plot The experimental North American X-15 program at Edwards Air Force Base involves test pilots: civilian Matt Powell, Lt. Col. Lee Brandon, and Maj. Ernest Wilde. The cutting edge high-speed program is ramrodded by project chief Tom Deparma and US Air Force Col. Craig Brewster. As the test pilots prepare for the planned launch of the rocket-powered aircraft from a Boeing B-52 Stratofortress mother ship, they experience emotional and physical problems, which they share with their wives and sweethearts.