Flight Planning and Conduct of the X-24A Lifting Body Flight Test Program

The objective to obtain piloted-low-speed flight test data on the SV- 5 re-entry configuration was accomplished by the X-24A in 28 flights over a 27- month time period. Sufficient data were obtained to allow detailed reporting in the areas of handling qualities, performance, stability derivatives, flight loads, flight control system, unpowered landings, vehicle system operation, and mass characteristics. Extensive use was made of a six-degree of freedom simulator and between-flight determination of stability derivatives in expanding the envelope incrementally to 1.6 Mach number. Unexpected and significant reductions in directional stability were experienced with the rocket engine on. Handling quality problems encountered during the flight test program were improved by minor alterations of the control system. The variability designed into the control system contributed significantly to the research program by providing different aerodynamic configurations for data analysis and in allowing improvements in flight characteristics.