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Martin Marietta X-24B

Martin Marietta · High L/D Lifting Body Reentry Research Aircraft · USA · Early Jet (1946–1969)

Martin Marietta X-24B — High L/D Lifting Body Reentry Research Aircraft
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The Martin Marietta X-24 is an American experimental aircraft developed from a joint United States Air Force–NASA program named PILOT (1963–1975). It was designed and built to test lifting body concepts, experimenting with the concept of unpowered reentry and landing, later used by the Space Shuttle. Originally built as the X-24A, the aircraft was later rebuilt as the X-24B.

Specifications

Category
Fixed Wing
Sub-Category
Experimental
Domain
Defence
Era
Early Jet (1946–1969)
Country
USA
Manufacturer
Martin Marietta
Operator
USAF / NASA
Primary Role
High L/D Lifting Body Reentry Research Aircraft
Status
Retired
Service Entry
1973
Propulsion
Rocket
Engine
1× 4-chamber liquid-fuelled rocket engine
Thrust / Power
8000 lbf
Launch
Air (B-52 mothership)
Length (ft)
37
Wingspan (ft)
19
Empty Weight (lb)
7800
MTOW (lb)
13800
Service Ceiling (ft)
74130
Range (mi)
45
Max Speed (mph)
999
Max Speed (Mach)
1.52