Boeing X-40
| X-40 | |
|---|---|
| |
| Boeing X-40A on a descent glide slope | |
| Role | Glide test vehicle |
| National origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | Boeing Phantom Works |
| First flight | August 11, 1998 (dropped by |
| Status | Retired May 2001 |
| Primary users | Air Force Research Laboratory NASA |
| Number built | 1 |
The Boeing X-40 Space Maneuver Vehicle was a test platform for the X-37 Future-X Reusable Launch Vehicle.
History
The unpiloted X-40A was built to 85% scale to test aerodynamics and navigation of the X-37 Future-X Reusable Launch Vehicle project.
After the first
glide capabilities of the X-37's fat-bodied, short-winged design and validated the proposed guidance system
.
Testing
The first X-40A drop test occurred at
CH-47 Chinook helicopter).[2][3] The vehicle dove to the runway in an approach similar to the Space Shuttle's, flared, and landed left of the runway centerline. Its drag chutes
successfully deployed, and the vehicle tracked to within 7 feet (2.1 m) of the centerline and stopped at a distance of slightly more than 7,000 feet (2,100 m).
Specifications (X-40A)
General characteristics
- Length: 21 ft (6.4 m)
- Wingspan: 11 ft (3.4 m)
- Height: 7 ft 6 in (2.29 m)
- Empty weight: 2,500 lb (1,134 kg)
- Useful load: 1,200 lb (540 kg)
Performance
- Maximum speed: 300 mph (480 km/h, 260 kn)
Avionics
Honeywell 12-channel Space Integrated GPS/INS (SIGI) system
See also
Related development
Related lists
References
- ^ a b "Military Spaceplane X-40 Space Maneuver Vehicle Integrated Tech Testbed". Military Space Programs. Federation of American Scientists. Archived from the original on 11 March 2016.
- ^ a b c X-40 Space Maneuver Vehicle (SMV) at GlobalSecurity.org
- ^ a b c d Boeing X-37 / X-40 page at Designation-Systems.Net
External links
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Boeing X-40.