The third element of NASA's re-usable-launch-vehicle initiative is the McDonnell Douglas (MDC) Delta Clipper - Experimental (DC-X), a single-stage vertical take-off and landing rocket. Flight testing of the DC-X was scheduled to resume in May following repairs to damage caused by a fuel-vapour explosion on the fifth flight, in June 1994.
Test funds remaining were used to repair the vehicle, and NASA and the US Air Force have provided an extra $3.3 million for up to four additional flight tests. The tests will demonstrate the potential for "aircraft-like" operations and gather data on high-angle-of-attack manoeuvring for use in design of a vertical landing X-33 demonstrator.
After completion of the DC-X flight tests, the system will be transferred to NASA for upgrade to DC-XA configuration. The DC-XA will be used to evaluate reusable-launch-vehicle technologies in an operational flight-environment, says MDC, which is teamed with Boeing on the X-33.
Upgrades planned for the DC-XA include: an aluminium lithium liquid oxygen tank; composite liquid hydrogen tank and intertank structure; integrated auxiliary-propulsion system; and a modified auxiliary-power unit. Flight-testing is scheduled for mid-1996.
Source: Flight International
