X-26 Frigate
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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: 1× Continental O-200A horizontally opposed 4-cylinder engine, 100 hp (75 kW)
Performance
- Maximum speed: 158 mph (254 km/h)
- Rate of sink: 0.6 m/s (120 ft/min))
- Range: miles (km)
- Service ceiling ft (m)
- Rate of climb: ft/min (m/s)
- Wing loading: 39 kg/m² (7.9 lb/ft²)
- Power/mass: 0.07 hp/lb (0.12 kW/kg)
[edit] References
American X-Vehicles (.pdf)
[edit] See also
List of experimental aircraft
Related development Schweizer SGS 2-32 - Army-Lockheed YO-3A
Comparable aircraft Scheibe SF25C
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