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X-17
Credit - via Andreas Parsch
Test vehicle. Country: USA. Status: Retired 1958. Department of Defence Designation: X-17.

USAF X-17 flight test program at Cape Canaveral studied reentry problems by simulating reentry velocities and conditions with a three-stage solid-fuel Lockheed X-17. A total of 26 X-17 flights were conducted until March 1957.

Manufacturer: Lockheed. Launches: 59. Failures: 9. Success Rate: 84.75%. First Launch Date: 1955-05-23. Last Launch Date: 1958-09-06. Launch data is: complete. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). Liftoff Thrust: 220.000 kN (49,450 lbf). Total Mass: 3,400 kg (7,400 lb). Core Diameter: 0.79 m (2.59 ft). Total Length: 12.30 m (40.30 ft).

  • Stage1: 1 x Sergeant. Gross Mass: 42 kg (92 lb). Empty Mass: 21 kg (46 lb). Motor: 1 x Sergeant. Thrust (vac): 6.660 kN (1,497 lbf). Isp: 235 sec. Burn time: 6.00 sec. Length: 1.00 m (3.20 ft). Diameter: 0.30 m (0.98 ft). Propellants: Solid.
  • Stage2: 3 x Journeyman-0. Gross Mass: 200 kg (440 lb). Motor: 1 x 1.5KS35000. Thrust (vac): 156.000 kN (35,070 lbf). Burn time: 1.50 sec. Length: 2.60 m (8.50 ft). Diameter: 0.23 m (0.75 ft). Propellants: Solid.
  • Stage3: 1 x Journeyman-0. Gross Mass: 200 kg (440 lb). Motor: 1 x 1.5KS35000. Thrust (vac): 156.000 kN (35,070 lbf). Burn time: 1.50 sec. Length: 2.60 m (8.50 ft). Diameter: 0.23 m (0.75 ft). Propellants: Solid.
Version:

X-17 HTV.

Three stage vehicle consisting of 1 x 3-DS-47000 + 3 x NOTS 124-C + 1 x NOTS 124-C

Launches: 4. Failures: 1. First Launch Date: 1955-06-13. Last Launch Date: 1955-07-14. Apogee: 10 km (6 mi). Liftoff Thrust: 209.000 kN (46,985 lbf). Total Mass: 100 kg (220 lb). Core Diameter: 0.20 m (0.65 ft). Total Length: 5.00 m (16.40 ft).

  • Stage1: 1 x X-17 HTV-1. Gross Mass: 700 kg (1,540 lb). Motor: 1 x 3-DS-47000. Thrust (vac): 209.000 kN (46,985 lbf). Burn time: 3.00 sec. Length: 3.00 m (9.80 ft). Diameter: 0.42 m (1.37 ft). Propellants: Solid.
  • Stage2: 3 x X-17 HTV-3. Gross Mass: 30 kg (66 lb). Motor: 1 x NOTS 124-C. Length: 1.00 m (3.20 ft). Diameter: 0.13 m (0.42 ft). Propellants: Solid.
  • Stage3: 1 x X-17 HTV-3. Gross Mass: 30 kg (66 lb). Motor: 1 x NOTS 124-C. Length: 1.00 m (3.20 ft). Diameter: 0.13 m (0.42 ft). Propellants: Solid.
Version:

X-17 HTV 1.

Three stage vehicle consisting of 1 x 3-DS-47000 + 1 x Dummy stage + 1 x Dummy stage

Apogee: 10 km (6 mi). Liftoff Thrust: 209.000 kN (46,985 lbf). Total Mass: 100 kg (220 lb). Total Length: 5.00 m (16.40 ft).

  • Stage1: 1 x X-17 HTV-1. Gross Mass: 700 kg (1,540 lb). Motor: 1 x 3-DS-47000. Thrust (vac): 209.000 kN (46,985 lbf). Burn time: 3.00 sec. Length: 3.00 m (9.80 ft). Diameter: 0.42 m (1.37 ft). Propellants: Solid.
Version:

X-17 QTV.

Three stage vehicle consisting of 1 x T-40 + 1 x Dummy stage + 1 x Dummy stage

Launches: 2. First Launch Date: 1955-05-23. Last Launch Date: 1955-05-23. Apogee: 10 km (6 mi). Liftoff Thrust: 13.000 kN (2,922 lbf). Total Mass: 100 kg (220 lb). Core Diameter: 0.20 m (0.65 ft). Total Length: 2.50 m (8.20 ft).

  • Stage1: 1 x Double Cajun T40-2. Gross Mass: 100 kg (220 lb). Empty Mass: 15 kg (33 lb). Motor: 1 x T-40. Thrust (vac): 13.300 kN (2,990 lbf). Burn time: 6.00 sec. Length: 1.40 m (4.50 ft). Diameter: 0.20 m (0.65 ft). Propellants: Solid.
X-17 Chronology

1952 - 1956 - NACA research on reentry configurations. Personnel of NACA Langley and Ames Aeronautical Laboratories were engaged in research on aerodynamic characteristics of reentry configurations. Knowledge acquired from these efforts along with those of industry and the military services was used in Project Mercury, proved the ablation theory for the Army's Jupiter missile development program, and was used in the Air Force intercontinental ballistic missile nose cone reentry program.

1955 May 23 - Cape Canaveral LC3. X-17 QTV Q-1 Test mission Agency: USAF 6555. Apogee: 10 km (6 mi).

1955 May 23 - Cape Canaveral LC3. X-17 QTV Q-2 Test mission Agency: USAF 6555. Apogee: 11 km (6 mi).

1955 June 13 - Cape Canaveral LC3. X-17 HTV-1 Q-4 FAILURE: Failure. Test mission Agency: USAF 6555. Apogee: 0 km ( mi).

1955 June 23 - Cape Canaveral LC3. X-17 HTV H-1 Test mission Agency: USAF 6555. Apogee: 20 km (12 mi).

1955 June 30 - Cape Canaveral LC3. X-17 HTV H-3 Test mission Agency: USAF 6555. Apogee: 9.00 km (5.50 mi).

1955 July 14 - Cape Canaveral LC3. X-17 HTV H-2 Test mission Agency: USAF 6555. Apogee: 10 km (6 mi).

1955 August 26 - Cape Canaveral LC3. X-17 D-1 Test mission Agency: USAF 6555ATW. Apogee: 3.00 km (1.80 mi).

1955 September 23 - Cape Canaveral LC3. X-17 D-2 FAILURE: Failure. Test mission Agency: USAF 6555ATW. Apogee: 5.00 km (3.10 mi).

1955 December 1 - Cape Canaveral LC3. X-17 D-3 Test mission Agency: USAF 6555ATW. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

1956 January 20 - Cape Canaveral LC3. X-17 D-4 Test mission Agency: USAF 6555ATW. Apogee: 132 km (82 mi).

1956 March 5 - Cape Canaveral LC3. X-17 D-5 Test mission Agency: USAF 6555ATW. Apogee: 116 km (72 mi).

1956 April 17 - Cape Canaveral LC3. X-17 R-1 Re-entry Vehicle test Agency: USAF 6555ATW. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

1956 June 26 - Cape Canaveral LC3. X-17 D-6A Test mission Agency: USAF 6555ATW. Apogee: 140 km (80 mi). USAF X-17 flight test program started at Cape Canaveral to study reentry problems by simulating reentry velocities and conditions with three-stage solid-fuel Lockheed X-17. A total of 26 X-17 flights were conducted until March 1957.

1956 July 17 - Cape Canaveral LC3. X-17 R-2 4203-3 Re-entry vehicle test Agency: USAF 6555ATW. Apogee: 142 km (88 mi).

1956 July 27 - Cape Canaveral LC3. X-17 R-3 4203-4 FAILURE: Failure. Re-entry vehicle test Agency: USAF 6555ATW. Apogee: 0 km ( mi).

1956 August 18 - Cape Canaveral LC3. X-17 R-4 4203-2 FAILURE: Failure. Re-entry vehicle test Agency: USAF 6555ATW. Apogee: 0 km ( mi).

1956 August 23 - Cape Canaveral LC3. X-17 R-5 4203-5 4203-5 re-entry vehicle test flight Agency: USAF 6555ATW. Apogee: 142 km (88 mi). A five-stage, solid-fuel rocket test vehicle, the world's first, was launched to a speed of mach 15 from Wallops Island, Va. by the NACA Langley Aeronautical Laboratory's Pilotless Aircraft Research Division.

1956 August 28 - Cape Canaveral LC3. X-17 R-6 4203-6 Re-entry vehicle test Agency: USAF 6555ATW. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

1956 September 8 - Cape Canaveral LC3. X-17 R-7 4203-7 FAILURE: Failure. Re-entry vehicle test Agency: USAF 6555ATW. Apogee: 394 km (244 mi).

1956 October 1 - Cape Canaveral LC3. X-17 R-8 4203-8 Re-entry vehicle test Agency: USAF 6555ATW. Apogee: 145 km (90 mi).

1956 October 5 - Cape Canaveral LC3. X-17 R-9 4203-9 Re-entry vehicle test Agency: USAF 6555ATW. Apogee: 117 km (72 mi).

1956 October 13 - Cape Canaveral LC3. X-17 R-10 4203-10 Re-entry vehicle test Agency: USAF 6555ATW. Apogee: 102 km (63 mi).

1956 October 18 - Cape Canaveral LC3. X-17 R-11 4203-11 Re-entry vehicle test Agency: USAF 6555ATW. Apogee: 155 km (96 mi).

1956 October 25 - Cape Canaveral LC3. X-17 R-12 4203-12 Re-entry vehicle test Agency: USAF 6555ATW. Apogee: 124 km (77 mi).

1956 November 5 - Cape Canaveral LC3. X-17 R-13 4203-13 Re-entry vehicle test Agency: USAF 6555ATW. Apogee: 118 km (73 mi).

1956 November 16 - Cape Canaveral LC3. X-17 R-14 4203-14 Re-entry vehicle test Agency: USAF 6555ATW. Apogee: 107 km (66 mi).

1956 November 23 - Cape Canaveral LC3. X-17 R-15 4203-15 Re-entry vehicle test Agency: USAF 6555ATW. Apogee: 143 km (88 mi).

1956 December 3 - Cape Canaveral LC3. X-17 R-16 4203-16 Re-entry vehicle test Agency: USAF 6555ATW. Apogee: 125 km (77 mi).

1956 December 11 - Cape Canaveral LC3. X-17 R-17 4203-17 Re-entry vehicle test Agency: USAF 6555ATW. Apogee: 144 km (89 mi).

1957 January 8 - Cape Canaveral LC3. X-17 R-18 4203-18 Re-entry vehicle test Agency: USAF 6555ATW. Apogee: 140 km (80 mi).

1957 January 15 - Cape Canaveral LC3. X-17 R-19 4203-19 FAILURE: Failure. Re-entry vehicle test Agency: USAF 6555ATW. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

1957 January 29 - Cape Canaveral LC3. X-17 R-20 4203-20 FAILURE: Failure. Re-entry vehicle test Agency: USAF 6555ATW. Apogee: 0 km ( mi).

1957 February 7 - Cape Canaveral LC3. X-17 R-21 4203-21 Re-entry vehicle test Agency: USAF 6555ATW. Apogee: 107 km (66 mi).

1957 February 14 - Cape Canaveral LC3. X-17 R-22 4203-22 Re-entry vehicle test Agency: USAF 6555ATW. Apogee: 141 km (87 mi).

1957 March 1 - Cape Canaveral LC3. X-17 R-23 4203-23 Re-entry vehicle test Agency: USAF 6555ATW. Apogee: 151 km (93 mi).

1957 March 11 - Cape Canaveral LC3. X-17 R-24 4203-A3 Re-entry vehicle test Agency: USAF 6555ATW. Apogee: 134 km (83 mi).

1957 March 21 - Cape Canaveral LC3. X-17 R-25 4203-A4 Re-entry vehicle test Agency: USAF 6555ATW. Apogee: 103 km (64 mi).

1957 April 13 - Cape Canaveral LC3. X-17 VI-1 4-204-1A? 4-204-1A? re-entry vehicle test flight Agency: USN. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

1957 April 24 - X-17 reaches 9,000 mph. Lockheed X-17 research rocket reached 9,000 mph at Patrick AFB, Fla.

1957 June 27 - Cape Canaveral LC3. X-17 4-204-1 4-204-1B? 4-204-1B? re-entry vehicle test flight Agency: USN. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

1957 July 16 - Cape Canaveral LC3. X-17 4-204-2 Re-entry Vehicle test Agency: USN. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

1957 July 19 - Cape Canaveral LC3. X-17 3-204-1 Re-entry Vehicle test Agency: USN. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

1957 July 22 - Cape Canaveral LC3. X-17 R-26 Re-entry Vehicle test Agency: USAF. Apogee: 114 km (70 mi).

1957 August 9 - Cape Canaveral LC3. X-17 3-204-2 Re-entry Vehicle test Agency: USN. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

1957 August 16 - Cape Canaveral LC3. X-17 5-204-1 Re-entry Vehicle test Agency: USN. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

1957 September 3 - Cape Canaveral LC3. X-17 1-204-6 Re-entry Vehicle test Agency: USN. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

1957 October 23 - Cape Canaveral LC3. X-17 1-204-7 Re-entry Vehicle test Agency: USN. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

1957 October 24 - Cape Canaveral LC3. X-17 3-204-3 Re-entry Vehicle test Agency: USN. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

1957 November 8 - Cape Canaveral LC3. X-17 3-204-4 Re-entry Vehicle test Agency: USN. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

1957 November 15 - Cape Canaveral LC3. X-17 1-204-8 Re-entry Vehicle test Agency: USN. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

1957 December 11 - Cape Canaveral LC3. X-17 1-204-9 Re-entry Vehicle test Agency: USN. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

1958 June 6 - Cape Canaveral LC25A. X-17 1-204-13 Re-entry Vehicle test Agency: USN. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

1958 June 24 - Cape Canaveral LC25A. X-17 1-204-14 Re-entry Vehicle test Agency: USN. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

1958 July 1 - San Clemente -. X-17 Winder 2 FAILURE: Failure. Argus test Agency: USN. Apogee: 10 km (6 mi).

1958 July 1 - San Clemente -. X-17 Winder 3 FAILURE: Failure. Argus test Agency: USN. Apogee: 0 km ( mi).

1958 July 2 - San Clemente -. X-17 Winder 1 Argus test Agency: USN. Apogee: 560 km (340 mi).

1958 July 24 - San Clemente -. X-17 Winder 4 Argus test Agency: USN. Apogee: 672 km (417 mi).

1958 August 27 - 02:20 GMT - Atlantic Ocean -. Argus I Nuclear test Agency: USN. Apogee: 160 km (90 mi). The Argus series were the only clandestine nuclear tests ever conducted by the United States. The rocket-launched nuclear warheads were set off at very high altitudes over the South Atlantic, 1800 km south-west of Capetown, South Africa. The purpose was to determine the effects of nuclear explosions on the Earth's magnetic field and the impact to military radar, communications, satellites and ballistic missiles electronics. The earth's magnetic field is not only off-axis from the earth, but also off centre from the earth's core. This means the Van Allen Radiation belts are closest to the earth in the region known as the 'South Atlantic Anomaly'. This made the selected launch point the ideal place for launching a rocket into the lower belt where the particles and radiation from the explosion would be trapped.

The 1.7 kiloton W-25 warhead used had been developed and previously tested for the Genie air-to-air missile. The first test was launched from vessel AVM1 at 38.5 deg S, 11.5 deg. W, and exploded at an altitude of 160 km. The initial flash was followed by an auroral luminescence extending upward and downward along the magnetic lines where the burst occurred. The experiment verified the predicitons made in the original October 1957 proposal by N. C. Christofilos of the Lawrence Radiation Laboratory in Livermore.

1958 August 30 - 03:10 GMT - Atlantic Ocean -. Argus II Nuclear test Agency: USN. Apogee: 293 km (182 mi). Second covert Argus launch to study effect of nuclear explosions on the Van Allen radiation belts. The rocket was launched from vessel AVM1 at 49.5 deg South, 8.2 deg West; altitude reached 294 km; yield of the nuclear warhead, 1.7 kilotons.

1958 September 6 - 22:05 GMT - Atlantic Ocean -. Argus III Nuclear test Agency: USN. Apogee: 750 km (460 mi). Third and final covert Argus launch to study effect of nuclear explosions on the Van Allen radiation belts. The rocket was launched from vessel AVM1 at 48.5 deg South, 9.7 deg West ; altitude reached 750 km; yield of the nuclear warhead, 1.7 kilotons.

1959 March 19 - X-17s used for rocket launch of nuclear tests. Deputy Secretary of Defense Quarles announced that three atomic blasts were secretly fired in space (Project Argus) in 1958, using modified X-17 rockets.

Bibliography:

  • McDowell, Jonathan, Jonathan's Space Home Page (launch records), Harvard University, 1997-present. Web Address when accessed: http://www.planet4589.org/jsr.html.
  • Emme, Eugene M, Aeronautics and Astronautics: An American Chronology of Science and Technology in the Exploration of Space 1915-1960, NASA, 1961. Web Address when accessed: http://www.hq.nasa.gov/office/pao/History/timeline.html.
  • Miller, Jay,, The X-Planes, Aerofax, Arlington, Texas, 1988.
  • Grimwood, James M., Project Mercury: A Chronology, NASA Special Publication-4001.
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