Interesting. He is very particular about what he autographs. Very particular.

One of the many pieces of stuff I've picked up over the years.

This is a backpack that the X-15 pilots wore that contained oxygen cylinders and regulators that enabled the pilots to bailout of the X-15 and breathe on the way down, although none ever did. Only one regulator is still attached and there is a small pressure gauge on the bottom.

In photographs this is usually covered with a silver covering that matches the pilot's pressure suit.

I don't know if I would want to be wearing one of those if the plane was on fire.

Vince

I suspect the time between “on fire” and “blown up” in the X-15 was pretty short.

Even for us most EPs that involved such things ended with “if fire indications are positive - eject” nothing good will come out of staying with it if it’s on fire when you have the ability to leave.

Mach 3+ erection.