X-24B aircraft. The X-24B aircraft was the last in a line of US lifting body research aircraft. They gained aerodynamic lift from the shape of the fus

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X-24B aircraft. The X-24B aircraft was the last in a line of US lifting body research aircraft. They gained aerodynamic lift from the shape of the fuselage, rather than from wings. All were used to show that a re-entering spacecraft could be flown to a precise landing, as was the later Space Shuttle. The X-24B first flew on 1 August 1973, and was retired on 23 September 1975. After release at 15,350 metres, it could reach altitudes of 29,200 metres and speeds of 1860 kilometres per hour (Mach ) powered by a rocket engine. Photographed in 1973, at Dryden Flight Research Center, California, USA.

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Size: 2773px × 3213px
Photo credit: © NASA/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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