1/40 scale shuttle

Subject: Nostalgic information on Radio-Controlled 747 and Space Shuttle 1/40-scale models     Dear Larry,   Here is a little nostalgic information on the early development and the 1/40-scale model flight tests of the 747 ferry flights for the Shuttle Orbiter you may wish to share with our members.   "In the mid-1970s, during the development of the Space Shuttle program, National Aeronautics and Space Administration decided to transport the shuttle piggyback on a Boeing 747, but it was unclear if the shuttle could be successfully launched in-flight from atop the 747.   To prove that it was possible, John Kiker, an engineer at the NASA Johnson Space Center Spacecraft Design Division, and a model aviation enthusiast, decided to investigate the possibility of releasing a shuttle in-flight using model aircraft. He did this because, he “believes Radio Control scale models are a good means of providing an initial indication of Orbiter control characteristics and separation dynamics before you start flying the real thing with live pilots.” He enlisted the help of fellow NASA engineer and modeler, Owen Morris.   1/40-scale Orbiter model, originally designed for floatation tests by NASA, was modified so it could be flown by Radio Control and was ballasted to simulate the weight and center of gravity of the full-scale Orbiter. The completed model weighed nearly 4 pounds, and with 242 square inches of wing area, it yielded a wing loading of 38.09 ounces per square foot.   After several successful in-flight releases from a Sterling Gazariator, NASA asked if the Gazariator could be replaced with a scale model of a Boeing 747. A Scale 747 would provide more accurate aerodynamic information and be more attractive for press releases. Kiker and Morris agreed, and work began on creating the model. NASA workshops created another model Orbiter (based again on the floatation model), while Kiker and Morris built the 747 from drawings provided by Boeing.       John and Owen described the first flight of the model in a November 1976 Model Aviation News article. “On the afternoon of April 30, 1976 quite a crowd of spectators and photographers gathered to watch the first flight of the 747, with John as the pilot. The takeoff roll was about 250 feet as predicted and was uneventful except for a wheel shimmy on one of the main gears. The model rotated easily and climbed out rapidly. The model could not be trimmed enough in pitch so a good amount of down stick was held for the entire flight. Control responses was very good about all axes, and the model flew even faster than expected. The retracts worked fine and all was well until it came time to land. Because of the high speed of the approach and the unfamiliarity of the flying site the model touched down in the grass off of the paved runway and cartwheeled. Although the damage was relatively light it was decided to retire for the day to repair both model and nerves before attempting another flight.”   The series of test launches of the models in 1976 helped prove that the full-scale Orbiter could be successfully air-launched from a 747. The 1/40-scale Radio-Controlled Boeing 747 and Space Shuttle combination are now on exhibit in the National Model Aviation Museum in Muncie, Indiana.    Source: http://amablog.modelaircraft.org/amamuseum/2012/09/17/radio-controlled-747-and-space-shuttle-models/     - Jim    May your troubles be less, may your blessings be more, and may nothing but happiness come through your door!