XF-15 HyperSabre

[MMM]

The XF-15 "HyperSabre" was the first hypersonic endo/exoatmospheric weapons system to be deployed by the Strategic Space Command. A militarized version of the experimental X-15 hypersonic vehicle, the XF-15 allowed the Strategic Air Command to make its first tentative steps into space defense. Eventually, infighting over control of exoatmospheric operations led to the formation of the Strategic Space Command in 1964.

The XF-15 was only functional as the front line of exoatmospheric defense for a five-year span, from 1961-1966. In 1966, the XF-15 was superceded by the XF-20 (later F-20) DynaHawk, which was designed to be launched from either a Titan III rocket or the back of a B-70. Though rendered obsolete with the introduction of the XF-20, XF-15s and ThunderFortressess were kept on as part of most major U.S. cities' active threat-response defense until 1972. (True SSTO fighters had to wait until 1975, with the deployment of the F-302 Interceptor.)

The XF-15 was rushed into production at the very beginning of what would later be called the First Zork Incursion, as a last-ditch attempt to protect the Earth from what later turned out to be five rogue Zork scout saucers, whose intermittent re-supply raiding parties were launched from a crashed Zork mothership on the far side of the Moon.

Two HyperSabres were carried to altitude under the wings of a XB-52C, the "ThunderFortress". The ThunderFortress gained its nickname from the fearsome sound of its takeoffs; laden with one HyperSabre under each wing, the XB-52C lumbered into the air under the full power of ten jet engines (two additional single-engine pods replaced the outboard fuel tanks), a full set of JATO bottles, and a single, throttleable A-6XV variant rocket engine (which replaced the gunnery position in the tail.) The rocket engine was re-ignited to put the XB-52C into a sixty-degree accelerating climb before release of the two HyperSabres at altitude.

Each XF-15 was armed with one Genie-X nuclear-tipped missile, sheathed in ablative material, carried under the belly of the craft. (This led to the HyperSabre's unofficial nickname, the "Black Stallion", or just plain the "Hung.") The Genie-X was equipped with both proximity and radio-controlled remote detonation triggers, and could be detonated on command by the XF-15 pilot.

During their lifespan of deployment, the XF-15 shot down or otherwise disabled three of the Zork saucers. Much was learned from the Zork debris, including important clues towards the advancement of gravity generation and fusion technology. Seven XF-15s were lost during this same period, including two that were brought down (along with their XB-52C mothership) by a suicidal Zork saucer.

During the 1974 Zork Incursion, there was some discussion about returning the XF-15 to service for the duration of the emergency. Instead, the XF-302 was brought on-line early, before final tests were complete.

Okay, backstory is fleshed out (suggestions are still welcome). She's a 1/72 Revell X-15, suitably adapted. (And yes, I do plan on adding the underwing fuel tanks- slid back on the body, of course.)

So, input: which configuration for the wings/fins- hypersonic T-tail or canard?

[Eddie M.]

I would have to say the T-tail myself and I know someone else who will agree with me.  B)
  Eddie

[Brian da Basher]

With that T-tail, all it needs are spats and maple-leaf roundels and you'd hit the trifecta!
I really like the backstory and my vote's gotta be for the T-tail!

Brian da Basher

[dragon]

Normally I am a canard guy, but in this case, the T-tail wins! B)  

[Archibald]

Very cool! We need more X-15 whatifs here (now there's this good 1/72 scale model available )  

[GTX]

Love it - the idea of a X-15 based interceptor is certainly one of those "why didn't I think of that!?" ideas.

Regards,

Greg

[Jschmus]

I saw this in the SSC forum over on Starship Modeler.  Why is it that every time I think of a project, someone's already beaten me to it?  That makes three in the last week: this one, the Israeli Hunter and another project I can't remember.

[Jeffry Fontaine]

I think it should have a large set of wings attached, perhaps something acquired from a Mirage III/V/2000 or a space shuttle and no need for anything but a vertical control surface.  Then you can lose the canards and it would give you plenty of room for externally mounted weapons.

[ysi_maniac]

I like both          but not with bomb  

[MMM]

I was going to put Sidewinders on the wingtips, but I figured at hypersonic speed they'd melt and explode. Bad for aerodynamics. B) Turns out the Genie was originally built to max out at Mach 3- it wouldn't take much beefing up to handle Mach 5+ (and that's a 1/48 Genie on a 1/72 bird).

Y'know, it's funny- I did post this over at SSM, but there everyone voted for the canards. Guess I'll just have to do both. Good thing these kits are cheap...

Is there a good smaller-scale model of the X-15, in scale with a smaller-scale model of the B-52? I've got a 1/72 B-52 model, but that's a bit- daunting...

[Shasper]

Try hunting down the old DML 1/200 NB-52B, it has a same scale X-15 included, along with a Pegasus booster.


Shas B)

[ysi_maniac]

Try hunting down the old DML 1/200 NB-52B, it has a same scale X-15 included, along with a Pegasus booster.


Shas B)

In www.greatmodels.com

Academy
ACY1697

1/320 ACY1697 B-52 Stratofortress
Category: Aircraft Models 1/320

Status: In Stock
Retail Price: $4.50
Your Price: $3.35

       

[BlackOps]

I like the "Y" tail   Gonna be a looker!

[Jeffry Fontaine]

I was going to put Sidewinders on the wingtips, but I figured at hypersonic speed they'd melt and explode. Bad for aerodynamics. B) Turns out the Genie was originally built to max out at Mach 3- it wouldn't take much beefing up to handle Mach 5+ (and that's a 1/48 Genie on a 1/72 bird).

Y'know, it's funny- I did post this over at SSM, but there everyone voted for the canards. Guess I'll just have to do both. Good thing these kits are cheap...

Is there a good smaller-scale model of the X-15, in scale with a smaller-scale model of the B-52? I've got a 1/72 B-52 model, but that's a bit- daunting...

How about the B-70 as the mother ship carrying the XF-15 mated to a pylon on top of the aircraft? Ertl/AMT XB-70A if you can find one and you can use the pylon that comes with the XR-7 "Thunderdart" from Testors for the launch pylon or the pylon for the D-21 Reconnaissance drone from the Monogram SR-71 kit.  

[retro_seventies]

T-tail!  Plus the phoenix (and the ummmmm...aim-47? is that the designation? i forget... the "pre-phoenix" if you will) was good for mach 5.

looking great!