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  #1  
Old 01-14-2014, 10:59 PM
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JumpJet JumpJet is offline
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Default X-34 Concept Model Build

While I’m figuring out what I want to build for my real NARAM 56 Concept Scale Entry I thought I would draw up an X-34 model. This would be a week long build at best so I figure I’ll make one, test fly it and if it works I can use it as my backup model in case my more complicated one crash and burns during testing.


This model is scaled to use one 29mm motor. The fuselage is 35 inches long. I am going to build it just like a model airplane so it shouldn’t weight more than about 16 ounces without motor. It will be RC Controlled on the way down.

What I am lacking is the Airfoil section used on the real one. Does anyone have this information? Maybe it is contain in the X-Planes book!


John Boren
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  #2  
Old 01-15-2014, 09:39 AM
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Ironnerd Ironnerd is offline
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OH, DUDE!!!! Now you have me hooked. I have always thought the X-34 was a very cool little rocketplane. I'm not a real winged-rocket enthusiast, but one of these on top of and Atlas/Delta/Falcon would be pretty cool.

I even contacted Orbital a few years back to request some drawings, but they told me the best place to look was probably the internet, which led me nowhere.

I WILL be watching this one.
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  #3  
Old 02-06-2014, 12:32 PM
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JumpJet JumpJet is offline
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Default More Information Needed

I've got most of the structure done on the model now but unless I can get some GOOD close up shots of what the rear end actually looks like I won't be able to proceed. Does anyone out there have a close up of the rear of the X-34 without a cover in place? Attached are the best images I could find and they do show enough details for me to proceed.

John Boren
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  #4  
Old 02-06-2014, 05:46 PM
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Jerry Irvine Jerry Irvine is offline
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  #5  
Old 02-06-2014, 11:20 PM
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JumpJet JumpJet is offline
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Jerry,

Nothing new there. I probably have 10+ hours of online searching for information on the X-34 using three different search engines. I find a little more every time I search but I still can't find a clear close up shot of the rear end of this bird as it would look ready to fly.


John Boren
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  #6  
Old 02-07-2014, 06:50 AM
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Jerry Irvine Jerry Irvine is offline
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Maybe Matt knows someone at Orbital that can mail you something.
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  #7  
Old 02-08-2014, 09:54 PM
ManofSteele ManofSteele is offline
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John;

You are likely not going to get a good image of what the aft end looks like, because that's the part they didn't finish. There was supposed to be a Marshall Spaceflight Center "Fastrac" liquid engine installed, but it was on the "slowtrac" and was never installed in the X-34. They had a "mockup" nozzle for some photos, otherwise they had a plate to cover the gaping hole in the back.

In later years, Orbital wanted to install a different engine, but they could never interest the Air Force or NASA to do it. Why that was the case is beyond me.

All three are in storage at Edwards AFB last I talked to the Orbital Chief Engineer. It is a shame that they never flew under power. As an American taxpayer, I hate to see that much money sitting in a hanger, gathering dust.

Matt
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Old 02-08-2014, 11:57 PM
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JumpJet JumpJet is offline
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A gentleman named Chris sent me a couple of black and white images today. I've included one below. I then came across the color one soon after. Even if this is a mockup engine, this is what I'm going to use on the model since it's what I've got. Most of the photos I've seen show a cloth type of cover over the opening. I don't know if this is for static use only or for flight.

John Boren
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  #9  
Old 02-09-2014, 08:05 AM
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GuyNoir GuyNoir is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JumpJet
Most of the photos I've seen show a cloth type of cover over the opening. I don't know if this is for static use only or for flight.


On Atlas, I'm pretty sure they're removed before flight.
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  #10  
Old 02-10-2014, 09:19 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JumpJet
Most of the photos I've seen show a cloth type of cover over the opening. I don't know if this is for static use only or for flight.


For the contest, it doesn't matter. You build to the data you have available. If all your photos show the cloth cover, you would build to that regardless of what they were going to do. Looks like you don't have to worry about it since you have at least one photo that doesn't have the cloth cover. Just make sure that photo gets into your data packet.

kj
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