3 Oct 1967

1967: Maj William J. Knight set a speed record for winged aircraft by flying the North American X-15A No.2 to 4,520 MPH (Mach 6.72) and 99,000 feet over Edwards AFB.  This flight broke his earlier 18 November 1966 record of 4,250 MPH. (USAF Image)
William John “Pete” Knight (November 18, 1929 – May 7, 2004) (Col, USAF) was an American aeronautical engineer, politician, Vietnam War combat pilot, test pilot, and astronaut. He was one of twelve pilots who flew the North American X-15, an experimental spaceplane jointly operated by the U.S. Air Force and NASA. He was also selected for participation in the X-20 Dyna-Soar program.