More Details for 1963-04-16
Original archive entry. The text, images and links below are kept as they were written.
Changes in Apollo boilerplate 22 LES test
On the basis of wind tunnel tests and analytical studies, North American recommended a change in the planned test of the launch escape system (LES) using boilerplate 22.
In an LES abort, the contractor reported, 18,300 meters (60,000 feet) was the maximum altitude at which high dynamic pressure had to be considered. Therefore North American proposed an abort simulation at that altitude, where maximum dynamic pressures were reached, at a speed of Mach 2. 5.
The abort test would demonstrate two possibly critical areas:
- Any destablizing effect of large LES motor plumes on the CM
- The ability of the CM's reaction control system to arrest CM rotation following tower jettison.