Lockheed X-7
The Lockheed X-7 (dubbed the "Flying Stove Pipe") was an unmanned test bed for
ramjet engines and missile guidance technology. It was carried aloft by a B-29 or B-50 Superfortress carrier aircraft. The booster ignited after launch and propelled the vehicle to a speed of 1,000 mph (1,625 km/h). The booster was then jettisoned, and the underslung ramjet took over from that point. The X-7 eventually returned to Earth, its descent slowed by parachute. A maximum speed of 2,000 mph (3,250 km/h) was attained, setting a record for fastest air-breathing aircraft. A total of 130 X-7 flights were conducted from April 1951 to July 1960.
Specifications (X-7A-1)
General Characteristics
- Crew: none
- Length: 32 ft 9 in (9.98 m)
- Wingspan: 12 ft (3.66 m)
- Height: 7 ft in (2.1 m)
- Wing area: ft² ( m²)
- Empty: lb ( kg)
- Loaded: 8,000 lb (3,600 kg)
- Maximum takeoff: lb ( kg)
- Powerplant:
Designation sequence:
X-4 -
X-5 -
X-6 -
X-7 -
X-8 -
X-9 -
X-10
