DynaSoar
(Click to enlarge - 28 KB)
DynaSoar (a.k.a. X-20) was first conceived in 1957 by the Air Force as a logical successor to the X-15. It was a reusable, single pilot space plane that would reach orbit from the top of a Titan IIIC and glide back to a landing on Earth. Boeing was the prime contractor and mock-up had been completed before DynaSoar was cancelled on 10 December 1963. This was to have been a military vehicle, used for reconnaissance. There was even a bomber version to carry a nuclear warhead.
Six Air Force pilots had been selected to be the astronauts who would fly the X-20. Drop tests were to have been started in 1964 with two unmanned flights planned for 1966. Dynasoar 3, the first manned flight, was to have flown a single orbit in July of 1966, piloted by James Wood, one of the six chosen and lead test pilot of the team. Dynasoar 4 and 5 were also to be single orbit flights, scheduled for October 1966 and March 1967, respectively. Dynasoar 6 was to have been the first multi-orbit flight, and was scheduled for October 1967.
Wing Span: 20 ft, 5 in (6.22 m)
Length: 35 ft, 4 in (10.77 m)
Much of the technology developed for the X-20 was later used for the Space Shuttle.
B-52 overflies X-20
DynaSoar after first drop test.
Credit: © Dan Roam
How it might have been
Page last modified: 07 April 2024 16:44:11.
