Show description

Another nose bay package, consisting of accelerometers and miscellaneous sensors, probably in the X-IA. Again, the mounting platform is a sheet of plywood. This material was easy to drill and attach test equipment to. There were many variations to the second-generation X-I nose cone configuralion. Boom lengths and locations were particularly variable and highly dependent upon test program objectives. Boom purposes varied with requirements. 51 The center section test equipment and nitrogen tank bay of a second-generation X-I.

At sea level. The engine weighed 345 Ibs. dry. The XLR11 was not throttleable, but the combustion chambers could be fired either individually or in groups. Each chamber was rated at 1,500 Ibs. thrust. At maximum thrust settings, the engine was expected to provide full power for approximately 5 minutes before fuel depletion. The third X-l, when finally completed, differed from its two stablemates in being equipped with a steam-driven turbopump that served to transfer propellants from their respective tanks to the powerplant.

The cockpit sides of the second generation X-Is generally were devoid of accouterments. The left side wall served as the mounting surface for the very simple throttle quadrant (which, when moved forward, basically ignited either one, two, three, or all four of the XLRII rocket chambers), and the right side wall served as the mounting surface for the oxygen regulator (removed in this view). Interior colors were medium green on the walls and flooring and a black instrument panel. 45 X-1 SECOND GENERATION INSTRUMENT PANEL 1.