Major-General Robert Michael White (born 1924) was a military aircraft test pilot and United States Air Force commander, who broke a number of records with the North American X-15 experimental aircraft during the 1960s, and was responsible for the design and development of several modern military aircraft. In February, 1961, White unofficially set a new air speed record when he flew the X-15 at a speed of 2 275 mph (3660 km/h), following the installation of a 57 000 pounds 254 kN thrust XLR-99 engine. White was the first human to fly an aircraft at Mach 4 and later Mach 5 over the next eight months. On 9 November 1961, White flew the X-15 at 4093 mph 6590 km/h, making him the first pilot to fly a winged craft at six times the speed of sound (Mach 6). On 17 July 1962, Major White flew the X-15 to an altitude of 314 750 feet 59 miles, 96 km. This qualified him for an Astronaut Badge, becoming the first Winged Astronaut, one of few who have flown into space without a conventional spacecraft. Color photograph is signed by White, matted and framed in wood under glass. Certificate of authenticity included.