Swiss X-26
| Swiss X-26 Frigate | |
|---|---|
|
|
| Type: | Experimental airplane |
| Design country: | |
| Manufacturer: | |
| First flight: |
3rd July 1962 |
| Commissioning: |
was never put into service |
| Production time: |
was never mass-produced |
| Number of pieces: |
5 |
The Swiss X-26 Frigate is a glider and the longest running X program in the USA .
The X-26A was used by the US Navy to train test pilots to use the yaw-roll coupling . Since jet aircraft are very dangerous in this condition, the X-26 was developed on the basis of the Swiss SGS2-32. Gliders are much slower to respond and easier to control, making the X-26 a much safer training aircraft. Originally four aircraft of this type were ordered. Of these, three crashed, all of which were replaced by new aircraft.
The X-26B were converted X-26A equipped with a Continental O-200A engine and propeller . These aircraft were used to test covert reconnaissance techniques for aircraft in the Vietnam War . Two of the X-26A were converted and successfully used in the Vietnam War. Research in this area continued with Lockheed's YO-3A Quiet Star program after the X-26B were returned to their original condition.
The US Navy still uses the X-26A during test pilot training at the United States Naval Test Pilot School.
General data
| Parameter | Data |
|---|---|
| crew | 2 |
| length | 7.92 m |
| span | 17.37 m |
| height | 2.74 m |
| Wing area | 16.7 m² |
| Wing extension | 18th |
| Slightest sinking | 0.6 m / s |
| payload | 261 kg |
| Empty mass | 389 kg |
| Top speed | 254 km / h |
| Engines | a Continental O-200 A |
Web links
Individual evidence
- ↑ Description on history.nasa.gov p. 34. (PDF; 1.2 MB) Retrieved on January 14, 2013 .