FULL-SCALE model of Mercury capsule is prepared for test launching at Pilotless Aircraft Research Station, Wallops Island, Va. Exhaustive capsule testing has been done by nearby Langley Research Center. Models fired over ocean are recovered by helicopter.
BOILERPLATE models are fired to 2,250 ft. by escape pylon, powered by modified Recruit rocket motors, to test capsule's stability with escape system. Pylon falls away and parachute deploys, lowering capsule to water. Boats recover parachutes for later tests.
________________________
images and info provided by the Aviation Week ARCHIVE from the Zetu Harrys Collection
0 Comments