7/30/2023 0 Comments Atlas flight control systemThey were built to test booster and nose cone separation as well as the overall propulsion system. This was the second series of Atlas missiles delivered to Cape Canaveral for flight testing. In spite of that, all of the flights helped to prove that the airframe was strong enough to survive violent twists, turns and loops in low-altitude "heavy air." The A Series Tests also determined that the Atlas launch system and gimbaled engine flight control system worked effectively.įirst all-up version of Atlas ICBM, with jettisonable booster engines and single engine sustainer on core. Only three of the eight Atlas A missiles launched from Cape Canaveral completed their flights as planned. The missile strayed off course and was destroyed by the Range Safety Officer less than one minute into its flight. On Jan Atlas A became the first Atlas launched from Cape Canaveral. By this time, the nose cone had been guided to its proper flight path, and could reach its target without further guidance. About ten seconds following booster engine shutdown, the two vernier engines shut down, and the nose cone separated. In a flight profile unique to the Atlas A, the two booster engines did not need to be jettisoned after shutdown, and remained attached to the missile's main body to water impact. The two booster engines shut down about two and one-half minutes into the flight. The Atlas A made a pre-programmed turn to a ballistic trajectory at an altitude of about 20,000 feet. They controlled the roll of the missile and trim its final flight velocity. The Atlas A also had vernier engines, located on opposite sides of the missile above the booster engine fairing. It was the only "single stage" Atlas but that was all that was needed for it's short-range flights. Their primary purpose was to test the airframe and propulsion system and was designed to fly with two North American booster engines, each of which provided a thrust of 120,000 pounds at liftoff. Originating as the X-11, Atlas A was the name given to the first series of Atlas missiles delivered to Cape Canaveral for flight testing. Two booster engines, no sustainer, dummy warhead. These rockets demonstrated technologies that would later be applied to the Atlas.įirst test model of Atlas ICBM. Limited funds permitted a few test launches. Project MX-774 inaugurated by AAF with Consolidated-Vultee to study rocket capabilities with an ICBM as a final objective.
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