On display at the National Air and Space Museum, Udvar-Hazy center, is the Gemini Tow Test Vehicle. This was a “flying mockup” of a Gemini space capsule modified with a Rogallo-wing and tricycle landing gear, with the idea being that the Gemini capsules would go beyond their primary role of basic research, and become operational two-man space transports. The wing and landing gear would allow the Gemini to land on a conventional runway, rather than ocean splshdown, simplifying recovery and refurbishment for re-use. The TTV-1 was carried aloft by a helicopter and then dropped, gliding to a horizontal landing at Edwards Air Force Base.
Annoyingly, Udvar-Hazy is poorly lit, and didn’t allow tripods. Grrr.
5 Responses to “Gemini TTV-1 Paraglider Capsule”
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Looks like it got 3 flights. Anyone know of any clips of the flights online?
Also, reminds me of HMX’s XV vehicle; http://www.hmx.com/AAS_Briefing_Edited.pdf
😉
>http://www.hmx.com/AAS_Briefing_Edited.pdf
very interesting…..thanks……..
Michael A., how did you find that AAS briefing from the HMX.com webpage?
Michael;
You should be able to find a link from the main HMX webpage. Google searching or other programs might find it too if the above links don’t work for you.
Randy
[…] aircraft or ejected pilots. Testing was done with landing-gear-equipped Gemini capsule mockups (see HERE), and on a whole range of models, including the B-70 and the Saturn I first stage. But while NASA […]