Development of X-15 escape system

The content of this paper is concerned primarily with testing and determining the suitability of such factors as cockpit mobility, escape potential, mechanical reliability, post-separation performance, and airframe compatibility. Integrating the results of the various studies led to the conclusion that the pressure suit in combination with the open ejection seat would best satisfy the X-15 emergency-escape requirements by virtue of elimination of capsule-imposed penalties on aircraft performance and significant reduction in development time.