The Eclipse Project (NASA SP-2000-4523) - Experiments with Unique Rocket Launch Technique Using Rope Aerotow, F-106A, QF-106A, Gordon Fullerton, Tethered Flights

Nonfiction, Science & Nature, Technology, Aeronautics & Astronautics, Science, Physics, Astrophysics & Space Science
Cover of the book The Eclipse Project (NASA SP-2000-4523) - Experiments with Unique Rocket Launch Technique Using Rope Aerotow, F-106A, QF-106A, Gordon Fullerton, Tethered Flights by Progressive Management, Progressive Management
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Progressive Management ISBN: 9781476214276
Publisher: Progressive Management Publication: July 19, 2012
Imprint: Smashwords Edition Language: English
Author: Progressive Management
ISBN: 9781476214276
Publisher: Progressive Management
Publication: July 19, 2012
Imprint: Smashwords Edition
Language: English

This is the fascinating story of a little-known futuristic research project which investigated a concept brought to the Dryden Flight Research Center by Kelly Space. Kelly hoped to demonstrate a new approach to satellite launching by towing a rocket to altitude behind a transport airplane.

The Eclipse Project by Tom Tucker provides a readable narrative and a number of documents that record an important flight research effort at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center. Carried out by Kelly Space & Technology, Inc. in partnership with the Air Force and Dryden at Edwards Air Force Base in the Mojave Desert of California, this project tested and gathered data about a potential newer and less expensive way to launch satellites into space. Whether the new technology comes into actual use will depend on funding, market forces, and other factors at least partly beyond the control of the participants in the project. This is a familiar situation in the history of flight research.

Frequently, the results of discoveries through flight research are not implemented immediately after projects are completed. A perfect example of this phenomenon is the lifting-body research done in the 1960s and 1970s that finally lead to new aerodynamic shapes in the world of aviation and space only in the 1990s. Even then, the lifting-body shapes (for the X-33 technology demonstrator and the X-38 prototype crew return vehicle) were only experimental. Other technologies emerging from flight research, such as movable horizontal stabilizers, supercritical wings, winglets, and digital fly-by-wire moved more rapidly into actual use in operational flight vehicles, but it was never crystal clear at the start of a flight research project whether the results would simply inform future practice or would be adopted more or less completely by air- and spacecraft designers.

Regardless of the eventual outcome in the case of the Eclipse Project, it was a unique and interesting experiment that deserves to be recorded. Tom Tucker has told the story in an interesting way that should make the monograph a joy to read. I thank him for his hard work, writing skill, and his flexibility as the monograph went through the coordination process. He was busy with teaching and writing another book; yet he unfailingly responded to my requests for technical changes in the monograph as various participants refined the details of the events surrounding the tow testing of the QF-106 behind its C-141A tow vehicle.

Start Up * The Elements * Names * Subsystems and Worry * Space * The Proof * Eclipse Flight Log * The Eclipse Project * Background * Eclipse Astroliner Concept * Historical Precedents * Aircraft / Weight / Wingloading / Comments * Program Philosophy * Obvious Issues * Pilot Training * EXD Pilot * Eclipse Simulation * EXD Cockpit * Attachment Hardware * C-141 Modifications * Tow Rope * Untethered Tests - C-141 Takeoff * C-141 Takeoff Profile * Tethered Research Objectives * Initial Results * Weak Link Release Procedure * Lessons Learned

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

This is the fascinating story of a little-known futuristic research project which investigated a concept brought to the Dryden Flight Research Center by Kelly Space. Kelly hoped to demonstrate a new approach to satellite launching by towing a rocket to altitude behind a transport airplane.

The Eclipse Project by Tom Tucker provides a readable narrative and a number of documents that record an important flight research effort at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center. Carried out by Kelly Space & Technology, Inc. in partnership with the Air Force and Dryden at Edwards Air Force Base in the Mojave Desert of California, this project tested and gathered data about a potential newer and less expensive way to launch satellites into space. Whether the new technology comes into actual use will depend on funding, market forces, and other factors at least partly beyond the control of the participants in the project. This is a familiar situation in the history of flight research.

Frequently, the results of discoveries through flight research are not implemented immediately after projects are completed. A perfect example of this phenomenon is the lifting-body research done in the 1960s and 1970s that finally lead to new aerodynamic shapes in the world of aviation and space only in the 1990s. Even then, the lifting-body shapes (for the X-33 technology demonstrator and the X-38 prototype crew return vehicle) were only experimental. Other technologies emerging from flight research, such as movable horizontal stabilizers, supercritical wings, winglets, and digital fly-by-wire moved more rapidly into actual use in operational flight vehicles, but it was never crystal clear at the start of a flight research project whether the results would simply inform future practice or would be adopted more or less completely by air- and spacecraft designers.

Regardless of the eventual outcome in the case of the Eclipse Project, it was a unique and interesting experiment that deserves to be recorded. Tom Tucker has told the story in an interesting way that should make the monograph a joy to read. I thank him for his hard work, writing skill, and his flexibility as the monograph went through the coordination process. He was busy with teaching and writing another book; yet he unfailingly responded to my requests for technical changes in the monograph as various participants refined the details of the events surrounding the tow testing of the QF-106 behind its C-141A tow vehicle.

Start Up * The Elements * Names * Subsystems and Worry * Space * The Proof * Eclipse Flight Log * The Eclipse Project * Background * Eclipse Astroliner Concept * Historical Precedents * Aircraft / Weight / Wingloading / Comments * Program Philosophy * Obvious Issues * Pilot Training * EXD Pilot * Eclipse Simulation * EXD Cockpit * Attachment Hardware * C-141 Modifications * Tow Rope * Untethered Tests - C-141 Takeoff * C-141 Takeoff Profile * Tethered Research Objectives * Initial Results * Weak Link Release Procedure * Lessons Learned

More books from Progressive Management

Cover of the book Flawed Decisions: The Korean War September - November 1950 - Successful Amphibious Assault at Inchon Followed by Inappropriate Course of Action, Hasty Plan, X Corps to Wonsan, Red China Intervenes by Progressive Management
Cover of the book Radiological Dispersal Device (RDD) Dirty Bomb Medical Preparedness and Response: Guidance for First Responders and Health Care Workers - Radioactive Illnesses, Radiation Injuries, Decontamination by Progressive Management
Cover of the book 21st Century VA Independent Study Course: Vietnam Veterans and Agent Orange Exposure - Symptoms, Diagnosis, Medical Care for Wartime Dioxin Herbicide Exposure (Veterans Health Issues Series) by Progressive Management
Cover of the book U.S. Army in the Cold War: Forging the Shield - The U.S. Army in Europe, 1951-1962, Atomic Warfare Training, Pentomic, New Look, Berlin Crisis, Building New German Army, Elvis Presley Goes to Europe by Progressive Management
Cover of the book Expeditionary Logistics: How the Marine Corps Supports its Expeditionary Operations, Warning Order, Course of Action, Minimize Wasteful Logistics Practices During Sustained Operations by Progressive Management
Cover of the book Defense Security Service (DSS) Glossary of Security Terms, Definitions, and Acronyms by Progressive Management
Cover of the book 21st Century Adult Cancer Sourcebook: Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) - Clinical Data for Patients, Families, and Physicians by Progressive Management
Cover of the book The Efficacy of Cognitive Shock: Systemic Cognitive Fragmentation, Void Between Perceived and Presented, Reality as Perception, Mental Voids, Byproducts of Surprise, Deception, Strategic Paralysis by Progressive Management
Cover of the book Space Shuttle Program History: Lessons Learned From Space Shuttle External Tank Development - A Technical History of the External Tank by Progressive Management
Cover of the book Reflections of a Middling Cold Warrior: Should the Army Air Corps Be Resurrected? The Case for an Autonomous Air Force, World War II, Nuclear Weapons, Aviation Technologies, Personalities, Cultures by Progressive Management
Cover of the book Terrorist Attacks on Americans in Benghazi, Libya on September 11, 2012: Report of the State Department Accountability Review Board (ARB), plus House Committee Hearings, Briefings, Statements by Progressive Management
Cover of the book FEMA Document Series: Dam Safety in the United States - A Progress Report on the National Dam Safety Program - FEMA P–759 by Progressive Management
Cover of the book United States Atmospheric Nuclear Weapons Tests: Project Trinity 1945-46, Operation Crossroads 1946, Operation Sandstone 1948 - Technical Data, Nuclear Test Personnel Review by Progressive Management
Cover of the book 21st Century U.S. Military Manuals: U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) Drill and Ceremonies Manual - Part Two, Parades, Funerals, Memorial Services, Customs and Courtesies, Mess Night Traditions by Progressive Management
Cover of the book 21st Century Female Sexual Dysfunction Sourcebook: Clinical Data for Patients, Families, and Physicians, including Diabetes, Cancer, Reproductive Issues by Progressive Management
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy