Need Help Identifying This HONEST JOHN- Boosted Sounding Rocket . . .
4 Attachment(s)
Need Help Identifying This HONEST JOHN- Boosted Sounding Rocket . . .
|
2nd Stage looks like a Nike, but no idea on 3rd stage.
|
Quote:
Yeah, the 3rd stage is what has me puzzled. Dave F. |
Well, whatever it is, it's not being flown for altitude. Judging by the scrub, it's at White Sands. And I agree with the Honest John (M-31) and Nike call. Maybe some kind of guidance test with those little fins?
Is there a date or any other information? |
Quote:
Unfortunately, only the pics exist at this time. |
Ho Joe Boosted 3 stage rockets
Quote:
If you go here: http://www.astronautix.com/h/honestjohn.html there is a list of all Honest John Boosted Stacks, this flight looks to be 3 stage, could be: a Gosling? or Exos, or T40. Don't think it is an American as that used a Nike 2nd and 3rd stage. unfortunately this site only has a picture of the Exos rocket. |
Is that even a 3rd "Stage"? Some of that white section looks sorta like an Ajax guidaance section, but with only the tiny nose fins and not the larger set in front of them. Or perhaps it is a powered stage but used some Ajax parts.
They don't tend to do "sounding rockets" at WSMR. The launch angle implies some sort of low trajectory test that would not fly as high as say the SR-71 or U-2. Indeed close to 45 degree launch angle is about optimal for long-range horizontally, at least ballistically. |
I was wondering the same thing that George posted above.
Possibly some sort of Ajax test ? |
Quote:
I don't think it's AJAX-related . . . The diameter of a NIKE Booster is 16.44" and the diameter of an AJAX is smaller than the NIKE. The upper stage / payload appears to be larger in diameter than the NIKE. Dave F. |
1 Attachment(s)
Quote:
Given that launch angle, I think a guidance test is a reasonable hypothesis. I put some calipers on the screen and if the HJ is 22.9" diameter, then the second stage comes out at 16.9. For measuring off the screen, that's pretty close to 16.5" that's listed in RoTW for a Nike. I don't think that payload/third stage is bigger than the Nike. I think there are strakes below the delta fins that make it look fatter. I think it's the same size as the Nike. What about a test using the S19 guidance system for the Black Brandt? Developed in the mid 70's and apparently used a lot at White Sands. From what i can find, it was/is 17.26" OD. |
All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:10 AM. |
Powered by: vBulletin Version 3.0.7
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.