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Images of lifting body aircraft |
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The early lifting bodies of the x-program were the predecessors of the space shuttle. Their main purpose was to test the ability to glide down from high altitudes. What these interesting aircraft achieved was not only proof that the space shuttle would work, but also that a landing was possible without the use of propulsion which reduced cost and launch weight. |
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HL-10 |
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M2-F2 |
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X-24 A and X-24 B |
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When the X-24 A program was complete, NASA's funds dod not allow fro a completely new veheivle to be built tot est the far more pointed shape of the X-24 B, so teh front potion, the bottom, and the back of the X-24 A were modified to produce the X-24B. |
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X-38 |
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Space is a dangerous place. When the crew of the International Space Station is residing in space, they are faced with this danger. As a solution, NASA developed the X-38 as a CRV (Crew Return Vehicle) based on knowledge gained from the X-24 program. |
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