X-24B rocketplane

USA

Description:

The X-24B′s design evolved from a family of potential reentry shapes, each with higher lift-to-drag ratios, proposed by the Air Force Flight Dynamics Laboratory. To reduce the costs of constructing a research vehicle, the Air Force returned the X-24A to the Martin Marietta Corporation (as Martin Aircraft Company became after a merger) for modifications that converted its bulbous shape into one resembling a "flying flatiron"—rounded top, flat bottom, and a double delta planform that ended in a pointed nose.

Although the X-24A program successfully met all of its objectives, engineers and scientists at the Air Force Flight Dynamics Laboratory (FDL) wanted to conduct similar tests on an even more advanced lifting-body shape called the FDL-7/FDL-8. The original plan was to convert one of the jet-powered SV-5Js into the advanced testbed, but since this would have entailed extensive modifications to fit a rocket engine in place of the turbojet, these plans were shelved. As the rocket-powered X-24A was nearing the end of its test program, it was finally decided to utilize it instead since the modifications were expected to be less extensive.

Among the final flights with the X-24B were two precise landings on the main concrete runway at Edwards. These missions were flown by Manke and Air Force Maj. Mike Love, and represented the final milestone in a program that helped write the flight plan for the Space Shuttle program.
The X-24B was the last aircraft to fly in Dryden's Lifting Body program.

Underneath the sleek shell of the X-24B lived the original X-24A, the new skin was essentially “gloved on” to the original aircraft. Most systems were retained intact. Although the X-24B was intended to evaluate the flight characteristics of the FDL-7 shape, in reality it spent most of its 36 flights demonstrating precision landing techniques that would be used on the forthcoming Space Shuttle. When Bill Dana completed the X-24B′s final flight on 9 September 1975, it marked the end of rocket-powered research aircraft at Edwards, at least for 25 years. The X-24B is currently on display at the Air Force Museum, alongside one the the SV-5Js configured as the X-24A.

X-24B pilots:

John A. Manke – 16 flights
Michael V. Love – 12 flights
William H. Dana – 2 flights
Einar K. Enevoldson – 2 flights
Thomas C. McMurtry – 2 flights
Francis Scobee – 2 flights
Les A. Johnson – 1 flight

X-24B at the USAF Museum

Martin Marietta X-24B

Technical Data:

Manufacturer:	Martin Marietta Corporation
Operator:	USAF, NASA
Length :	37 ft 6 in (11.43 m)
Wingspan:	19 ft 0 in (5.79 m)
Heigh:	9 ft 7 in (2.92 m)
Wing area:	330 ft² (30.7 m²)
Empty weight:	8,500 lb (3,855 kg)
Loaded weight:	11,800 lb (5,350 kg)
Max takeoff weight:	13,800 lb (6,260 kg)
Crew:	one pilot

Power:	1 × XLR-11-RM-13 four-chamber rocket engine, 8,480 lbf (37.7 kN)
Thrust:
Max speedt:	Mach 1.52 (1,873 km/h)
Range:	45 miles (72 km)
Service ceiling:	74,130 ft (22.59 km)
Wing loading:	205 kg/m²
First Flight	01 August 1973
Last Flight	09 September 1975
Total Flights	36
Fastest Flight	Mach 1.76 (1,164 mph)
Highest Flight	74,140 feet

The X-24B is seen on the lakebed at NASA′s Dryden Flight Research Centre in Edwards, California. Credit: Dryden.

X-24B under wing of airplane. Credit: NASA

The X-24B in flight. Credit: Dryden.

X-24B after flight, with pilot. Credit: NASA

Astrophilately covers:

Flight B-1-3 - First Free flight, Pilot: Manke.

Flight B-3-5 - Pilot: Manke.

Flight B-6-13 - First powered flight, Pilot: Manke.

Flight B-8-15 - 8th Free flight, Pilot: Love.

Flight B-9-16 - First Supersonic flight, Pilot: Manke.

Flight B-36-49 - 36th Free flight, Pilot: McMurtry.

More X-24B covers

Ref.: #6, #98, #530a - update: 23.05.18

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