North American X-10

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North American X-10
North American X-10

National Museum of the US Air Force

NORTH AMERICAN X-10
The X-10 was a supersonic research vehicle used to gather data on aerodynamic design, control, and automatic guidance systems in the development of the SM-64 "Navaho" intercontinental winged guided missile. Powered by two turbojet engines, the pilotless X-10 was radio-controlled in the initial stages of the test program. Many later flights were preprogrammed using an autonavigation system. The X-10's design featured a low, delta wing configuration, twin vertical fins, and nose-mounted canard surfaces for pitch control. Retractable landing gear and a drag chute permitted recovery and re-use for further flight testing.

The X-10 was first flown on October 14, 1953 at Edwards AFB, California. Many additional test flights were conducted, first at Edwards AFB, and later at Patrick AFB, Florida. However, the X-10 research project was halted when the "Navaho" program was cancelled in 1957. The 27th and last X-10 flight took place on February 4, 1957. Although 13 X-10s were built, the vehicle on display here is the only one known to exist. It is the original X-10 and is a veteran of eight successful test flights.

SPECIFICATIONS
Span: 28 ft. 2 in.
Length: 71 ft.
Height: 14 ft. 5 in.
Weight: 38,000 lbs.
Armament: None
Engines: Two Westinghouse XJ40-WE-1 turbojets of 10,000 Ibs. thrust each with afterburner.
Crew: None

PERFORMANCE
Max. speed: 1160 mph/ 1,008 knots
Cruising speed: 595 mph/ 517 knots
Range: 920 statute miles/ 800 nautical miles
Service ceiling: 45,000 ft.

Attribution Noncommercial Some rights reserved
Taken on: July 23, 2012
Tags: Everybody's photos tagged with X-10 X-10 Everybody's photos tagged with SM-64 SM-64 Everybody's photos tagged with Navaho Navaho more » Everybody's photos tagged with North American Aviation North American Aviation « less
Sets appears in:   • USAF Museum Presidential and R&D Hangar    • SM-64 Navaho Nuclear Cruise Missile    more » • X-Planes    « less
Camera: Canon PowerShot G12, f/2.8, 1/30 sec, 6.1mm, ISO 250 (more info) (hide info)
Camera: Canon PowerShot G12
Aperture: f/2.8
Exposure Time: 0.033 sec (1/30)
Focal Length: 6.1mm
ISO: 250
Exposure Bias: -1/3 EV
Flash: Off, Did not fire
Exposure Mode: Manual
Metering Mode: Multi-segment
White Balance: Auto
Color Space: sRGB
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