In article ,
"Paul F Austin" writes:
In Pete Knight's obituary in AvWeek, it mentioned that the record setting
Mach 6+ flight in the X-15A2 resulted in structural damage to the aircraft
that resulted in it being withdrawn from use. Was the damage a result of the
thermal environment or was it the dynamic pressure envirnoment?

Thermal environment, but with special circumstances. Some of teh
shockwaves from the dummy rscramjet and its pylon impinged in the
ventral fin, causing local heating of teh surface above and beyond
what would normally be encountered.

--
Pete Stickney
A strong conviction that something must be done is the parent of many
bad measures. -- Daniel Webster