FLAME Test Vehicle 1976 Flight Test Series
Abstract
The FLAME vehicle was designed as an inexpensive test vehicle to subject various reentry nosetip experiments to ICBM-type reentry environments. The vehicle is a two-stage solid rocket that is dropped from an F-4 aircraft, allowed to coast for a predetermined time, and then fired toward earth at a predetermined angle, thus reaching the experiment environment at the end of second-stage burn. Two such test flights took place in early 1976 at the Tonopah Test Range, placing the total number of flights to date at eight. The vehicle performed as expected on all but two flights; the first stage motor in each case experiencing a nozzle failure. The failure mode was ultimately corrected with the last two flights being successful. The test results indicate the vehicle has met all its objectives relative to performance, versatility, quick reaction, and low cost.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 1977
- Accession Number
- ADA050764
Entities
People
- James R. Fryer
Organizations
- Aerojet Rocketdyne Holdings