Title: X-15 Research Airplane
Designer: Unknown
Year it was designed: circa 1959
Explanation or story behind the patch: The X-15 rocket planes have been described as the most successful research aircraft ever built, allowing NASA, Air Force, and Navy research pilots to explore the problems of space and atmospheric flight at supersonic and hypersonic speeds. They also served as flying laboratories, carrying numerous scientific experiments. Data derived from the X-15 research program made numerous contributions to aeronautical science and technology, many of which have influenced modern aircraft and spacecraft design including the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo craft, and the space shuttle. Over a nearly 10-year period from 1959 to 1968, a total of 12 pilots flew three X-15 research vehicles 199 times, achieving speeds in excess of Mach 6 and altitudes above 60 miles. A small number of these patches were produced in the early 1960s. One example was worn by Maj. Ralph N. Richardson, commander of the 16th Physiological Training Flight, who was responsible for X-15 life support activities.
For more information on the X-15 Research Airplane, click https://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-052-DFRC.html