X-7 Ramjet Test Vehicle

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X-7 Ramjet Test Vehicle

The X-7A Project required the development of a flying test bed for any of several ramjet engines capable of self-sustained flight between Mach numbers 1.7 and 3.0, and altitudes from sea level to 80,000 feet. The vehicle is air-launched, boosted to flight speed, and recovered by means of parachutes and a ground penetration spike. Preliminary design studies, begun in July 1947, culminated in a vehicle configuration which embodies a tapered straight wing and conventional tail surface arrangement, and provides a readily interchangeable installation for any of several ramjet engines. Wind-tunnel investigations, model tests, and 1/3-scale model boosted free flight tests were conducted in the process of development. Production of full-scale vehicles and boosters was begun in early 1950. Full-scale flight tests were begun in 1951 and thirty-six boosted flights (including three with boost test vehicles) have been completed in this program.