| Video Tools | |
 Email |
 Comments (4) |
 RSS |
 |
Dream Chaser Goes Airborne
Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) Space Systems' Dream Chaser mini-shuttle is lifted by an Erickson Air-Crane helicopter near the Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport in Jefferson County, Colo., on May 29, during a captive-carry test. The mini-shuttle, designed to carry passengers to Earth orbit, will begin free flight tests later this summer. (03:47)
Video: Sierra Nevada Corporation
| Tweet | Digg |
Advertisement
|
X-47B Carrier Launch(01:25) |
|
SpaceShipTwo Fires Up(02:58) |
|
How to Bag an Asteroid(03:52) |
|
The Mach-2 Bomber That Never Was(01:21) |
Comments (4)
And what exactly did this captive carry test prove? What was the purpose of this "test"?
Posted by Mark Sickle on July 12,2012 | 11:46 AM
@Mark Sickle
This flight demonstrates that the the Erickson Air-Crane and Dream Chaser are air worthy as a combination. There were probably contingency plans to drop the Dream Chaser if the Erickson Air-Crane pilot lost control of the combination. Since the Dream Chaser has not yet been proven safe for a human occupant, also known as a test pilot in this case, the Dream Chaser would have been sacrificed to avoid serious human injury or death to either an occupant or the Erickson Air-Crane and its pilot and crew. The forward speed of the combination was probably chosen to confirm that the drop speed can be achieved safely, also. The test program is always a series of careful steps of increasing risk, not just one big leap to the desired capability.
Coincidentally, Sierra Nevada Corporation was able to show the video taken to observe the test and demonstrate progress on their project.
Posted by NeoPhyte_Rep on July 23,2012 | 12:13 AM
According to NASA, the captive carry test was conducted to verify proper aerodynamic flight performance. It appears from the video that the exercise included moving at some speed, although not at the speeds for which it is designed, rather than merely lifting the vehicle. NASA says future plans call for the flight vehicle to be released to evaluate the design's handling during the landing phase of a mission.
Posted by Larry Jackson on July 25,2012 | 01:25 PM
I'm sure that the air-crane pilot never seriously anticipated or considered that he would have to drop the payload, also these tests are necessary and do proceed, one step at a time.
This lifting body shape is such a safe and natural design that it will ultimately win out over all others and I would volunteer to pilot this craft in a minute and would be privileged to be able to do so.
Dan: FTO NZ 27900
Posted by Dan Holloway on August 15,2012 | 07:34 AM