Comrades:

Attached is a picture of my Quest X-15 converted to A-3 configuration.

For those who are interested, near the end of the X-15 program, North American, the contractor, proposed a modifcation to the No. 3 X-15 Sn. 66672 involving removing the wing and stabilizer and replacing it with a delta wing. The fuselage was also to be stretched similar to the A-2 modification. Some drawings also show a larger engine bell adapted for high altitute work. The No. 3 X-15 was chosen as it had the most advanced flight control system. Apparently, the study progressed to at least the point where several wind tunnel models were built. All of the work was rendered moot when 66672 fatally crashed in 1967, killing astronaut Michael Adams.

This was my first Quest kit. Obviously, I substituted new wing pieces. I also cut a second set of conduit pieces using the kit set as a pattern and sandwiched the new delta wing between them. I cut out the tip plates from scrap balsa. The layout of the tip plates was the "final configuration". Otherwise, the kit was built according to the instructions. Finish was Rustoleum Gloss Black over Dupicolor primer. The decals provided were a little on the thick side and provided only the serial number for the No.2 X-15. They went down fine; I used a little Walthers Solvaset to get them to snuggle down. The decal instructions in the kit were non-existant. I used pictures from my books and the Internet for placement. Clear coat was Rustoleum Crystal Clear. I added a little nose weight.

Its not really scale - but I think it looks pretty cool . . . .

Attached Thumbnails

 

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NAR 79743
NARTrek Silver
I miss being SAM 062

Awaiting First Launch: Too numerous to count
Finishing: Zooch Saturn V; Alway/Nau BioArcas; Estes Expedition; TLP Standard
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Looks very interesting.

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When in doubt, WHACK the GAS and DITCH the brake !!!

Yes, there is such a thing as NORMAL, if you have to ask what is "NORMAL" , you probably aren't !
Failure may not be an OPTION, but it is ALWAYS a POSSIBILITY.
ALL systems are GO for MAYHEM, CHAOS, and HAVOC !

That is a cool idea! Did you have to do anything special to make it stable?

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By the way, I found a company called Hostile Projectiles that used to make a delta-winged X-15 kit. It appears they were only in business for a couple years. The developer used to post here as "U812" but he hasn't posted anything in more than 5 years.

You can see some of his posts on this build thread: http://rocketshoppe.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6150

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I have one of those kits.

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4 out of 3 people struggle with math.

Chemically, alcohol IS a solution.

NAR# 94042
SAM# 0078

Model rocketeers take this for granted, but we have the technology to reproduce this updated flight vehicle in full size or 2x size today. The difference is the deployed payload could easily go to orbit and the piloted "booster" would set a maned transatmospheric record.

Jerry

MarkB,

Nice! I was not aware of a delta wing design proposal for the X-15.

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Lee Reep
NAR 55948

Projects: Semroc Saturn 1B, Ken Foss Designs Mini Satellite Interceptor
In the Paint Shop: Nothing! Too cold!
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that looks fantastic!!

Nice, don't forget to give us a flight report.

Add a little more nose weight, it may need it!

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If it flies, I can crash it!

Hello
On Scottlowther site UpShip.com You can get the drawing for it and other variatons of the X-15.
http://up-ship.com/blog/?s=delta+X-15&searchsubmit=
Also sells great info on other worthy what if projects based on aerospace designs/studies.
JM
ex STS bubble head