Martin Marietta X-24
The Martin Marietta X-24 was an experimental aircraft developed as part of a joint program between the United States Air Force and NASA under the PILOT (1963–1975) initiative. The X-24 was specifically designed to test lifting body concepts, which played a crucial role in the development of unpowered reentry and landing techniques later adopted by the Space Shuttle.
Development and Design
The X-24 was initially built as the X-24A, which featured a bulbous shape. To reduce construction costs, the Air Force later returned the X-24A to the Martin Marietta Corporation for modifications. The modified version, known as the X-24B, had a more angular design resembling a "flying flatiron" with a rounded top, flat bottom, and a double delta planform that ended in a pointed nose.
The X-24’s early versions were part of NASA’s broader efforts to explore lifting body concepts, which also included the NASA M2-F1, Northrop HL-10, Northrop M2-F2, and Northrop M2-F3. The X-24A was the fourth lifting body design to fly, following the M2-F1, HL-10, and M2-F2, and preceding the M2-F3.
Operational History
The X-24 was flown from Edwards Air Force Base, California. The first glide flight of the X-24B was piloted by John Manke on August 1, 1973. The X-24 series of aircraft contributed significantly to understanding how unpowered vehicles could reenter the atmosphere and land safely, a challenge that would be critical for the development of the Space Shuttle program.