Thommy Eriksson worked for more than six years to produce the amazing images Michelle needed for "The X-15 Rocket Plane, Flying the First Wings into Space."

"Rocketing Into Space."

This image is used as the front cover art for the book, although, for some unknown reason, the publisher did not want to retain the Moon in the image.

"More Power for the X-15."

This image is used on page 192 in Chapter 6: "Straight and Steady."

"Attitude Adjustment."

This image is used on page 252 in Chapter 8: "On A Roll."

"Zero-G Mission."

This image is used on page 352 in Chapter 11: "Chasing Experiments."

"Joe Walker Returns From Space."

This image is used as the book's frontispiece, as well as on page 61 in Chapter 2: "A Record High."

"Unrealized Potential — The X-15 Delta Wing."

This image is used on page 409 in Chapter 13 "Snow at Edwards."

"Three View of Standard X-15."

This image is used on page 12 in Chapter 1: "The Whole Nine Yards."

Three View of Advanced X-15A-2.

This image is used on page 301 in Chapter 10: "Fastest Man Alive."

The below images were created for the book, but for one reason or anoter, were not used in the final manuscript. They are presented here to show all of Thommy's dedication to the project, and these images can also be seen elsewhere on this site.

"Fastest Man Alive."

The X-15A-2 at Mach 6.70 (4,520 mph) with Pete Knight at the controls.

"I'm in a Spin."

These images illustrate the hypersonic spin that happened to Michael Adams on 15 Nov. 1967.

Backgrounds by Robert Kline

"X-15 to Orbit."

One of the more outlandish proposals for getting the X-15 into orbit involved mounting it on the nose of a modified Titan rocket.

My most sincere thanks to the wonderful art created by Thommy!

His dedication to the X-15, and everyone associated with it, is unsurpassed.

X-15 Program Patch, designed by Michelle Evans