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X-24A #
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Photo: Robert Deering 1985 National Museum of the USAF Wright-Paterson AFB (FFO) Dayton, Ohio |
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Piloted Low Speed
Test (PILOT), the third phase of tech START
program, investigated the flight
characteristics and maneuverability of
manned lifting bodies and analyzed the
feasibility of using these aircraft for
return from space. The X-24A, developed as a
joint USAF/NASA project, was basically a
large-scale manned version of the SV-5D
PRIME vehicle. The
ASSET and
PRIME phases of the Air Force's START
program conducted research in the higher
altitudes and speeds, but the X-24 program
concentrated on the last stage of re-entry,
from about 70,000 feet (21,280 meters)
altitude at 1,000 mph (2,609 km/hr) to
landing. The X-24 made its first powered flight on March 19, 1970. It was carried aloft and released at an altitude of about 40,000 feet (13,860 meters) by the same B-52 used in the X-15 program. Upon release, the X-24A pilot ignited the rocket engine which boosted the lifting body to its maximum speed and altitude. From this point, a powerless landing was made on a dry lakebed. The X-24A made 28 powered flights at the Air Force Flight Test Center, Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., during its test program. The X-24A on display was originally the jet-powered Martin SV-5J, a derivative of the X-24A built for flight training. It was never flown. For display, the SV-5J has been converted to simulate the X-24A. It was donated by Martin in 1971. |
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