Lockheed X-17
The Lockheed X-17 was a three-stage solid-fuel rocket for research into re-entry at high Mach numbers , which was used from 1956. The first stage rocket carried the X-17 to an altitude of 27 km before it burned out, after which the X-17 continued its flight up to 400 km. At maximum altitude, the X-17 turned its nose down and ignited the second stage, and shortly before re-entry the third stage. The maximum speed on the way towards Earth was Mach 14.5.
As part of Operation Argus , three modified X-17 missiles were launched from the seaplane tender USS Norton Sound in the South Atlantic in August and September 1958 , each to detonate an atomic bomb of 1.7 kilotons TNT equivalent of explosive power outside the atmosphere. The explosions took place at heights of 160 to 750 km and led to the temporary formation of an artificial radiation belt . In contrast to the original X-17, in these versions all three stages were ignited in direct succession during the ascent.
Other modified X-17 missiles were used to develop the technology of the submarine-based Polaris missile. After completing the X-17 missions, Lockheed planned to sell the rocket under the name Pegasus as a sounding rocket .
construction
The X-17 had a sergeant rocket engine as the first stage. The second stage consisted of a triple block of Recruit rocket motors. A single recruit rocket eventually formed the third stage. The X-17 had no steering and was kept on its flight path by spin stabilization . The rotation of the missile around its longitudinal axis was initiated by two small, ejectable rocket motors after leaving the launch pad.
Technical specifications
| Parameter | Data |
|---|---|
| length | 12.3 m |
| span | 2.3 m |
| 1st stage diameter | 0.79 m |
| 2nd stage diameter | 0.43 m |
| 3rd stage diameter | 0.25 m |
| Weight | 5,400 kg |
| Range | 217 km |
| maximum altitude | 400 km |
Web links
Individual evidence
- ↑ Description on history.nasa.gov p. 24. (PDF; 1.2 MB) Retrieved on February 11, 2013 .