Shuttle Flight Test Program

[DunaRocketeer]

This vehicle is an adaptation of an earlier design that I wanted to put through a series of tests like similar real life vehicles. Starting off, here is the prototype undergoing unpowered glide tests, not unlike Enterprise did in the 1970's:

Mk2 Mini Shuttle Flight Test Report

Approach and Landing Test 1:

The first free-flight test of an Mk2 shuttle featured a prototype vehicle that lacked any propulsive ability.

Test Objectives:

Carry the Mk2 prototype under the Condor Flight Test Aircraft

Climb up to 10,000m altitude and drop the prototype vehicle

Investigate the Mk2’s glide characteristics

Make an unpowered landing at KSC Runway

Test Report:

Take-off and climb to drop test altitude was completed without incident

Initial gliding and manoeuvring characteristics appeared good.

Low speed characteristics involve lessening yaw control authority. Compensate with roll inputs to avoid drifting off runway centreline.

Vehicle conducts landing pre-flare manoeuvre easily. Landing was nominal.

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