X-26 Frigate

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An X-26 sailplane on display at an air show.
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An X-26 sailplane on display at an air show.

The X-26 is a sailplane and is the longest-lived of the X-plane programs.

[edit] Development

The X-26A was used by the U.S. Navy (USN) to train test pilots in the condition of yaw/roll coupling. Since jet trainers were known to be dangerous in this condition, the X-26 was based on the Schweizer SGS 2-32 sailplane. Sailplanes react much slower and are easier to control than jet aircraft, making the X-26 a much safer training platform. Four aircraft were originally ordered. Three of the original planes crashed. The USN purchased a replacement for each of the crashed units.

[edit] Operational History

The X-26B were X-26As modified with a Continental O-200-A engine and propeller. These aircraft were designed to test stealth observation techniques for aircraft during the Vietnam War. Two of the X-26As were modified for the program. They were tested in Vietnam successfully. The Lockheed YO-3A Quiet Star program continued the research begun by the X-26B. After the completion of their part of the program, the X-26Bs were de-modified and returned to the USN.

The USN continues to use the X-26A in the training program at the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School.

[edit] Specifications (X-26A Frigate)

General characteristics

  • Crew: two
  • Length: 26 ft 9 in (7.92 m)
  • Wingspan: 57 ft 1.5 in (17.37 m)
  • Height: 9 ft 3 in (2.74 m)
  • Wing area: 180 ft² (16.7 m²)
  • Aspect ratio: 18:1)
  • Empty weight: 857 lb (389 kg)
  • Loaded weight: 1430 lb (650 kg)
  • Max takeoff weight: lb (kg)
  • Powerplant:Continental O-200A horizontally opposed 4-cylinder engine, 100 hp (75 kW)

Performance

  • Rate of sink: 0.6 m/s (120 ft/min))

[edit] References

American X-Vehicles (.pdf)

[edit] Related content

Related development

Schweizer SGS 2-32 - Army-Lockheed YO-3A

Comparable aircraft

Scheibe SF25C

Designation sequence

X-23 - X-24 - X-25 - X-26 - X-27 - X-28 - X-29

 

See also

List of experimental aircraft


Portions of this article are based on public domain text from NASA.

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