Hidden Hills DZ
Site · USA
Original archive entry. The text, images and links below are kept as they were written.
Sounding rocket launcher site. Also used as air-launched drop zone, with runway RW14/32 serving as emergency landing strip.
Related
- Family
- Air Drop Zone
- Country
- USA
- Launch Vehicles
- X-15
- Launch Sites
- Hidden Hills DZ
Chronology
50 events
1961 March 30
18:05 GMT - . Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Complex: Hidden Hills DZ. Launch Pad: Edwards RW04/22. Launch Platform: NB-52 008.- X-15A Alt., BCS, Aero test - . Nation: USA. Agency: NASA, USAF. Spacecraft: X-15A. Apogee: 51 km (31 mi). Maximum Speed - 4441 kph. Maximum Altitude - 51700 m. Air dropped in Hidden Hills DZ..
1961 April 21
18:05 GMT - . Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Complex: Hidden Hills DZ. Launch Pad: Edwards RW04/22. Launch Platform: NB-52 003. FAILURE: Three hardware problems during flight..- X-15A Mach 4, Aero test - . Nation: USA. Agency: NASA, USAF. Spacecraft: X-15A. Apogee: 32 km (19 mi). Maximum Speed - 4946 kph. Maximum Altitude - 32000 m. Air dropped in Hidden Hills DZ..
1961 September 28
17:50 GMT - . Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Complex: Hidden Hills DZ. Launch Pad: Edwards RW04/22. Launch Platform: NB-52 008.- X-15A Mach 5, Heat Trans. test - . Nation: USA. Agency: NASA, USAF. Spacecraft: X-15A. Apogee: 31 km (19 mi). Maximum Speed - 5792 kph. Maximum Altitude - 31030 m. Test reentry heat limit. Smoke in cockpit due to scorching paint. Air dropped in Hidden Hills DZ..
1962 April 5
18:04 GMT - . Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Complex: Hidden Hills DZ. Launch Pad: Edwards RW04/22. Launch Platform: NB-52 003.- X-15A MH-96 test - .
Nation: USA.
Agency: NASA,
USAF.
Spacecraft: X-15A.
Apogee: 54 km (33 mi).
Maximum Speed - 4586 kph. Maximum Altitude - 54860 m. The X-15 was flown in a test of a new automatic control system to be used in the Dyna-Soar and Apollo spacecraft. The previous electronic control system had been automatic only while the X-15 was in the atmosphere; the new system was automatic in space as well. Air dropped in Hidden Hills DZ.
1962 May 8
18:01 GMT - . Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Complex: Hidden Hills DZ. Launch Pad: Edwards RW04/22. Launch Platform: NB-52 008.- X-15A Heat T/ASAS/High al. test - . Nation: USA. Agency: NASA, USAF. Spacecraft: X-15A. Apogee: 21 km (13 mi). Maximum Speed - 5670 kph. Maximum Altitude - 21460 m. First flight to exceed 2000 psf (136 bar) dynamic pressure. Air dropped in Hidden Hills DZ..
1962 May 22
18:04 GMT - . Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Complex: Hidden Hills DZ. Launch Pad: Edwards RW04/22. Launch Platform: NB-52 003.- X-15A Local flow test - . Nation: USA. Agency: NASA, USAF. Spacecraft: X-15A. Apogee: 30 km (18 mi). Maximum Speed - 5551 kph. Maximum Altitude - 30600 m. Roller coaster flight with three peaks for local airflow investigation. Air dropped in Hidden Hills DZ..
1962 June 7
18:29 GMT - . Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Complex: Hidden Hills DZ. Launch Pad: Edwards RW04/22. Launch Platform: NB-52 003.- X-15A Local flow, M=5 test - . Nation: USA. Agency: NASA, USAF. Spacecraft: X-15A. Apogee: 31 km (19 mi). Maximum Speed - 5908 kph. Maximum Altitude - 31580 m. Air dropped in Hidden Hills DZ..
1962 June 29
18:41 GMT - . Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Complex: Hidden Hills DZ. Launch Pad: Edwards RW04/22. Launch Platform: NB-52 008.- X-15A Heating rates, notch test - . Nation: USA. Agency: NASA, USAF. Spacecraft: X-15A. Apogee: 25 km (15 mi). Maximum Speed - 5278 kph. Maximum Altitude - 25360 m. Air dropped in Hidden Hills DZ..
1962 July 19
17:53 GMT - . Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Complex: Hidden Hills DZ. Launch Pad: Edwards RW04/22. Launch Platform: NB-52 008.- X-15A Heating rates, drag test - . Nation: USA. Agency: NASA, USAF. Spacecraft: X-15A. Apogee: 26 km (16 mi). Maximum Speed - 5590 kph. Maximum Altitude - 25680 m. Air dropped in Hidden Hills DZ..
1962 August 8
18:08 GMT - . Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Complex: Hidden Hills DZ. Launch Pad: Edwards RW04/22. Launch Platform: NB-52 008.- X-15A Heating, aero drag test - . Nation: USA. Agency: NASA, USAF. Spacecraft: X-15A. Apogee: 27 km (16 mi). Maximum Speed - 4735 kph. Maximum Altitude - 27700 m. Air dropped in Hidden Hills DZ..
1962 August 20
18:08 GMT - . Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Complex: Hidden Hills DZ. Launch Pad: Edwards RW04/22. Launch Platform: NB-52 008.- X-15A Heating, drag, ASAS test - . Nation: USA. Agency: NASA, USAF. Spacecraft: X-15A. Apogee: 27 km (16 mi). Maximum Speed - 5686 kph. Maximum Altitude - 27000 m. Air dropped in Hidden Hills DZ..
1962 August 29
18:36 GMT - . Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Complex: Hidden Hills DZ. Launch Pad: Edwards RW04/22. Launch Platform: NB-52 008.- X-15A Heating test - . Nation: USA. Agency: NASA, USAF. Spacecraft: X-15A. Apogee: 29 km (18 mi). Maximum Speed - 5546 kph. Maximum Altitude - 29630 m. Air dropped in Hidden Hills DZ..
1962 September 28
18:04 GMT - . Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Complex: Hidden Hills DZ. Launch Pad: Edwards RW04/22. Launch Platform: NB-52 008.- X-15A Heating, VO Stab test - . Nation: USA. Agency: NASA, USAF. Spacecraft: X-15A. Apogee: 20 km (12 mi). This and most following flights without lower ventral. Maximum Speed - 4450 kph. Maximum Altitude - 20790 m. Air dropped in Hidden Hills DZ..
1963 April 11
18:03 GMT - . Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Complex: Hidden Hills DZ. Launch Pad: Edwards RW04/22. Launch Platform: NB-52 008.- X-15A KC-1/APU Test/Imaging mission - . Nation: USA. Agency: NASA, USAF. Spacecraft: X-15A. Apogee: 22 km (13 mi). Maximum Speed - 4608 kph. Maximum Altitude - 22680 m. First flight in scientific and advanced research series - carried aerial mapping camera. Air dropped in Hidden Hills DZ..
1963 April 18
20:16 GMT - . Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Complex: Hidden Hills DZ. Launch Pad: Edwards RW04/22. Launch Platform: NB-52 008. FAILURE: Nose gear scoop door opens at Mach 3.4..- X-15A HT,Local flow,IR Test/Technology mission - . Nation: USA. Agency: NASA, USAF. Spacecraft: X-15A. Apogee: 28 km (17 mi). Nose landing gear failed. Maximum Speed - 6066 kph. Maximum Altitude - 28190 m. Air dropped in Hidden Hills DZ..
1963 May 14
20:11 GMT - . Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Complex: Hidden Hills DZ. Launch Pad: Edwards RW04/22. Launch Platform: NB-52 008.- X-15A Heating,UVP,IR Test/Ultraviolet Astronomy/Technology mission - . Nation: USA. Agency: NASA, USAF. Spacecraft: X-15A. Apogee: 29 km (18 mi). Maximum Speed - 5792 kph. Maximum Altitude - 29140 m. Air dropped in Hidden Hills DZ..
1963 October 7
20:22 GMT - . Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Complex: Hidden Hills DZ. Launch Pad: Edwards RW04/22. Launch Platform: NB-52 008.- X-15A Checkout/Opt Deg. Test/Technology mission - . Nation: USA. Agency: NASA, USAF. Spacecraft: X-15A. Apogee: 23 km (14 mi). Maximum Speed - 4560 kph. Maximum Altitude - 23710 m. Air dropped in Hidden Hills DZ..
1963 October 29
20:42 GMT - . Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Complex: Hidden Hills DZ. Launch Pad: Edwards RW04/22. Launch Platform: NB-52 008.- X-15A Checkout/Opt Deg. Test/Technology mission - . Nation: USA. Agency: NASA, USAF. Spacecraft: X-15A. Apogee: 22 km (13 mi). Maximum Speed - 4364 kph. Maximum Altitude - 22600 m. Air dropped in Hidden Hills DZ..
1963 November 7
18:11 GMT - . Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Complex: Hidden Hills DZ. Launch Pad: Edwards RW04/22. Launch Platform: NB-52 008.- X-15A Sharp Upper Vert. test - . Nation: USA. Agency: NASA, USAF. Spacecraft: X-15A. Apogee: 25 km (15 mi). Maximum Speed - 4706 kph. Maximum Altitude - 25080 m. First flight with sharp-edged vertical stabilizer. Air dropped in Hidden Hills DZ..
1963 November 14
19:19 GMT - . Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Complex: Hidden Hills DZ. Launch Pad: Edwards RW04/22. Launch Platform: NB-52 008.- X-15A CO/Opt Deg/Systems Test/Technology mission - . Nation: USA. Agency: NASA, USAF. Spacecraft: X-15A. Apogee: 27 km (16 mi). Maximum Speed - 5287 kph. Maximum Altitude - 27680 m. Air dropped in Hidden Hills DZ..
1963 November 27
20:17 GMT - . Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Complex: Hidden Hills DZ. Launch Pad: Edwards RW04/22. Launch Platform: NB-52 008.- X-15A Checkout mission - . Nation: USA. Agency: NASA, USAF. Spacecraft: X-15A. Apogee: 27 km (16 mi). Maximum Speed - 5326 kph. Maximum Altitude - 27371 m. Air dropped in Hidden Hills DZ..
1964 January 16
18:03 GMT - . Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Complex: Hidden Hills DZ. Launch Pad: Edwards RW04/22. Launch Platform: NB-52 008.- X-15A Sharp Upper Vert test - . Nation: USA. Agency: NASA, USAF. Spacecraft: X-15A. Apogee: 21 km (13 mi). Maximum Speed - 5216 kph. Maximum Altitude - 21641 m. Air dropped in Hidden Hills DZ..
1964 February 19
17:57 GMT - . Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Complex: Hidden Hills DZ. Launch Pad: Edwards RW04/22. Launch Platform: NB-52 003.- X-15A SUV,Boundary Layer test - . Nation: USA. Agency: NASA, USAF. Spacecraft: X-15A. Apogee: 23 km (14 mi). Maximum Speed - 5662 kph. Maximum Altitude - 23957 m. Air dropped in Hidden Hills DZ..
1964 March 13
17:46 GMT - . Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Complex: Hidden Hills DZ. Launch Pad: Edwards RW04/22. Launch Platform: NB-52 003.- X-15A SUV,Boundary Layer test - . Nation: USA. Agency: NASA, USAF. Spacecraft: X-15A. Apogee: 23 km (14 mi). Maximum Speed - 5458 kph. Maximum Altitude - 23165 m. Air dropped in Hidden Hills DZ..
1964 May 12
17:51 GMT - . Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Complex: Hidden Hills DZ. Launch Pad: Edwards RW04/22. Launch Platform: NB-52 003. FAILURE: Problems with inertial platform and SAS..- X-15A SUV/BLN test - . Nation: USA. Agency: NASA, USAF. Spacecraft: X-15A. Apogee: 22 km (13 mi). Maximum Speed - 4962 kph. Maximum Altitude - 22189 m. Air dropped in Hidden Hills DZ..
1964 June 25
17:34 GMT - . Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Complex: Hidden Hills DZ. Launch Pad: Edwards RW04/22. Launch Platform: NB-52 003.- X-15A-2 Stability test - . Nation: USA. Agency: NASA, USAF. Spacecraft Bus: X-15A. Spacecraft: X-15A-2. Apogee: 25 km (15 mi). Maximum Speed - 4994 kph. Maximum Altitude - 25390 m. First flight of X-15 No. 2 in X-15A-2 configuration, but without drop tanks. Air dropped in Hidden Hills DZ..
1964 July 29
19:55 GMT - . Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Complex: Hidden Hills DZ. Launch Pad: Edwards RW04/22. Launch Platform: NB-52 003.- X-15A Heat tran/Local Flow test - . Nation: USA. Agency: NASA, USAF. Spacecraft: X-15A. Apogee: 23 km (14 mi). Maximum Speed - 5250 kph. Maximum Altitude - 23774 m. First test of various heat-resistant panels attached to fuselage. Air dropped in Hidden Hills DZ..
1964 August 12
18:12 GMT - . Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Complex: Hidden Hills DZ. Launch Pad: Edwards RW04/22. Launch Platform: NB-52 003.- X-15A Heat tran/LF/BLN test - . Nation: USA. Agency: NASA, USAF. Spacecraft: X-15A. Apogee: 24 km (14 mi). Maximum Speed - 5688 kph. Maximum Altitude - 24750 m. Air dropped in Hidden Hills DZ..
1964 August 26
18:42 GMT - . Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Complex: Hidden Hills DZ. Launch Pad: Edwards RW04/22. Launch Platform: NB-52 003.- X-15A HT/LF/BLN test - . Nation: USA. Agency: NASA, USAF. Spacecraft: X-15A. Apogee: 27 km (16 mi). Maximum Speed - 6216 kph. Maximum Altitude - 27737 m. Air dropped in Hidden Hills DZ..
1964 September 3
17:54 GMT - . Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Complex: Hidden Hills DZ. Launch Pad: Edwards RW04/22. Launch Platform: NB-52 003.- X-15A HT/BLN test - . Nation: USA. Agency: NASA, USAF. Spacecraft: X-15A. Apogee: 23 km (14 mi). Maximum Speed - 5817 kph. Maximum Altitude - 23957 m. Air dropped in Hidden Hills DZ..
1964 October 15
21:15 GMT - . Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Complex: Hidden Hills DZ. Launch Pad: Edwards RW04/22. Launch Platform: NB-52 008.- X-15A IFDS/Tip Pod/AD-SB Test/Aeronomy mission - . Nation: USA. Agency: NASA, USAF. Spacecraft: X-15A. Apogee: 25 km (15 mi). Maximum Speed - 4904 kph. Maximum Altitude - 25878 m. First flight with X-20 INS and wing tip pods. Air dropped in Hidden Hills DZ..
1964 October 30
17:51 GMT - . Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Complex: Hidden Hills DZ. Launch Pad: Edwards RW04/22. Launch Platform: NB-52 008.- X-15A Gear mod, BLN test - . Nation: USA. Agency: NASA, USAF. Spacecraft: X-15A. Apogee: 25 km (15 mi). Maximum Speed - 5009 kph. Maximum Altitude - 25786 m. Air dropped in Hidden Hills DZ..
1964 November 30
20:09 GMT - . Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Complex: Hidden Hills DZ. Launch Pad: Edwards RW04/22. Launch Platform: NB-52 008.- X-15A-2 Gear mod, Stab,ST test - . Nation: USA. Agency: NASA, USAF. Spacecraft Bus: X-15A. Spacecraft: X-15A-2. Apogee: 26 km (16 mi). Maximum Speed - 4970 kph. Maximum Altitude - 26579 m. Air dropped in Hidden Hills DZ..
1964 December 9
18:36 GMT - . Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Complex: Hidden Hills DZ. Launch Pad: Edwards RW04/22. Launch Platform: NB-52 008.- X-15A 3D Flow Field,MA-45R Test/Technology mission - . Nation: USA. Agency: NASA, USAF. Spacecraft: X-15A. Apogee: 28 km (17 mi). Maximum Speed - 5990 kph. Maximum Altitude - 28164 m. Air dropped in Hidden Hills DZ..
1964 December 22
18:44 GMT - . Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Complex: Hidden Hills DZ. Launch Pad: Edwards RW04/22. Launch Platform: NB-52 003.- X-15A Friction,GE TPS.,3D Test/Technology mission - . Nation: USA. Agency: NASA, USAF. Spacecraft: X-15A. Apogee: 24 km (14 mi). Maximum Speed - 5781 kph. Maximum Altitude - 24750 m. Air dropped in Hidden Hills DZ..
1965 January 13
18:51 GMT - . Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Complex: Hidden Hills DZ. Launch Pad: Edwards RW04/22. Launch Platform: NB-52 003. FAILURE: Control system problems..- X-15A 3D,HT,Fric,BLN test - . Nation: USA. Agency: NASA, USAF. Spacecraft: X-15A. Apogee: 30 km (18 mi). Maximum Speed - 5973 kph. Maximum Altitude - 30297 m. Immediately after burnout aircraft gyrated around all 3 axes for 7 seconds. Air dropped in Hidden Hills DZ..
1965 April 23
17:44 GMT - . Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Complex: Hidden Hills DZ. Launch Pad: Edwards RW04/22. Launch Platform: NB-52 008.- X-15A HT/Abl TPS/BLN Test/Technology mission - . Nation: USA. Agency: NASA, USAF. Spacecraft: X-15A. Apogee: 24 km (14 mi). Maximum Speed - 5760 kph. Maximum Altitude - 24293 m. Air dropped in Hidden Hills DZ..
1965 April 28
20:26 GMT - . Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Complex: Hidden Hills DZ. Launch Pad: Edwards RW04/22. Launch Platform: NB-52 008.- X-15A-2 Landing loads,Stab test - . Nation: USA. Agency: NASA, USAF. Spacecraft Bus: X-15A. Spacecraft: X-15A-2. Apogee: 28 km (17 mi). Maximum Speed - 5266 kph. Maximum Altitude - 28224 m. First star tracker checkout. Air dropped in Hidden Hills DZ..
1965 September 30
17:43 GMT - . Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Complex: Hidden Hills DZ. Launch Pad: Edwards RW04/22. Launch Platform: NB-52 003.- X-15A Infrared Scanner test - . Nation: USA. Agency: NASA, USAF. Spacecraft: X-15A. Apogee: 23 km (14 mi). Maximum Speed - 4373 kph. Maximum Altitude - 23350 m. Air dropped in Hidden Hills DZ..
1965 October 12
17:43 GMT - . Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Complex: Hidden Hills DZ. Launch Pad: Edwards RW04/22. Launch Platform: NB-52 008. FAILURE: APU shutdown..- X-15A Checkout mission - . Nation: USA. Agency: NASA, USAF. Spacecraft: X-15A. Apogee: 28 km (17 mi). Maximum Speed - 5001 kph. Maximum Altitude - 28770 m. Air dropped in Hidden Hills DZ..
1965 November 4
17:11 GMT - . Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Complex: Hidden Hills DZ. Launch Pad: Edwards RW04/22. Launch Platform: NB-52 008. FAILURE: Two engine relights required..- X-15A Checkout mission - . Nation: USA. Agency: NASA, USAF. Spacecraft: X-15A. Apogee: 24 km (14 mi). Maximum Speed - 4450 kph. Maximum Altitude - 24440 m. Air dropped in Hidden Hills DZ..
1966 July 18
19:38 GMT - . Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Complex: Hidden Hills DZ. Launch Pad: Edwards RW04/22. Launch Platform: NB-52 003.- X-15A Checkout, Systems test - . Nation: USA. Agency: NASA, USAF. Spacecraft: X-15A. Apogee: 29 km (18 mi). Maximum Speed - 5176 kph. Maximum Altitude - 29290 m. First flight with X-20 energy management system. Air dropped in Hidden Hills DZ..
1966 October 6
20:16 GMT - . Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Complex: Hidden Hills DZ. Launch Pad: Edwards RW04/22. Launch Platform: NB-52 003. FAILURE: Emergency landing at Cuddleback Dry Lake..- X-15A Checkout mission - . Nation: USA. Agency: NASA, USAF. Spacecraft: X-15A. Apogee: 23 km (14 mi). Maximum Speed - 4666 kph. Maximum Altitude - 22980 m. Engine shut down at 90 seconds. Air dropped in Hidden Hills DZ..
1966 November 29
19:38 GMT - . Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Complex: Hidden Hills DZ. Launch Pad: Edwards RW04/22. Launch Platform: NB-52 003.- X-15A Checkout mission - . Nation: USA. Agency: NASA, USAF. Spacecraft: X-15A. Apogee: 28 km (17 mi). Maximum Speed - 5020 kph. Maximum Altitude - 28040 m. Air dropped in Hidden Hills DZ..
1967 May 8
19:27 GMT - . Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Complex: Hidden Hills DZ. Launch Pad: Edwards RW04/22. Launch Platform: NB-52 008. FAILURE: Eyelid installed on one window; other window fogs up..- X-15A-2 Ramjet flow test - . Nation: USA. Agency: NASA, USAF. Spacecraft Bus: X-15A. Spacecraft: X-15A-2. Apogee: 29 km (18 mi). Maximum Speed - 5138 kph. Maximum Altitude - 29750 m. Check out of stability and control with ramjet pod. Air dropped in Hidden Hills DZ..
1967 June 22
21:57 GMT - . Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Complex: Hidden Hills DZ. Launch Pad: Edwards RW04/22. Launch Platform: NB-52 008. FAILURE: Severe tail oscillations..- X-15A HT/Telem test - . Nation: USA. Agency: NASA, USAF. Spacecraft: X-15A. Apogee: 25 km (15 mi). Maximum Speed - 5810 kph. Maximum Altitude - 25050 m. Air dropped in Hidden Hills DZ..
1967 July 20
17:11 GMT - . Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Complex: Hidden Hills DZ. Launch Pad: Edwards RW04/22. Launch Platform: NB-52 008.- X-15A HT/Guid/Telem test - . Nation: USA. Agency: NASA, USAF. Spacecraft: X-15A. Apogee: 25 km (15 mi). Maximum Speed - 5942 kph. Maximum Altitude - 25720 m. Air dropped in Hidden Hills DZ..
1967 August 21
17:59 GMT - . Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Complex: Hidden Hills DZ. Launch Pad: Edwards RW04/22. Launch Platform: NB-52 008.- X-15A-2 Ramjet/Hycon/TPS Test/Imaging mission? - . Nation: USA. Agency: NASA, USAF. Spacecraft Bus: X-15A. Spacecraft: X-15A-2. Apogee: 27 km (16 mi). First test with full ablative coating, ramjet pod. Maximum Speed - 5419 kph. Maximum Altitude - 27740 m. Air dropped in Hidden Hills DZ..
1967 August 25
20:27 GMT - . Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Complex: Hidden Hills DZ. Launch Pad: Edwards RW04/22. Launch Platform: NB-52 003.- X-15A Guid/HT/BLN test - . Nation: USA. Agency: NASA, USAF. Spacecraft: X-15A. Apogee: 25 km (15 mi). Maximum Speed - 5012 kph. Maximum Altitude - 25720 m. Air dropped in Hidden Hills DZ..