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During the early years of the X-15 program, there does not appear to have been a formally issued, standardized mission patch. Instead, period photographs and surviving examples suggest that a small number of unofficial patches were produced locally, likely in very limited quantities, and worn by select pilots and personnel.
This patch is a faithful reproduction of one such rare example, recreated directly from known period imagery and surviving originals. The artwork reflects the informal, personalized style typical of early experimental flight programs, prior to the era of mass-produced NASA mission insignia.
Produced in a small run, this reproduction preserves the proportions, colors, and character of the original design without modern embellishment. Each is unique, hand-aged to simulate the vintage, personal character of the extremely rare originals… see pictures of examples of the real patch in action…
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.
Designed in 1959, 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.
As an avid collector of NASA and USAF vintage patches, I’ve searched for this patch for years, never to find one for sale… so I reproduced it for us all to enjoy! The patch measures 3.75” (the diameter of the circle part), and it has NO iron-on backing… similar to how the real ones were made. Light aging with unique treatment, and can be further ‘distressed’ by machine washing, tea-soaking, UV exposure as you see fit!
