NASA Press Release
June 29, 1999

The first of several captive carry flights between the X-34 technology testbed demonstrator and its L-1011 aircraft was conducted today from NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards, CA. The purpose of the first of several tests was to verify the safety of the combined vehicles for FAA certification purposes because of modifications to the L-1011 carrier vehicle.

Takeoff took place at 10:12 a.m. PDT, with landing at 12:02 p.m. PDT. Initial data indicates that no major problems occurred in the first one -hour, 50-minute flight. Although additional flights will be required to examine the entire flight profile for X-34 and its carrier before subsequent air-launched and unpowered approach and landing flights later in the year.

Several planned test objectives were accomplished during the flight. Performance of the aircraft was evaluated during several scheduled maneuvers at various speeds and altitudes. The L-1011 crew conducted a simulated rocket engine propellant release from the X-34 using fluorescent dye. The flight also was used to check the electronic connections between the mated aircraft, data collection systems and the video cameral system on the L-1011.

The planned two-and-a-half hour test was shortened after a safety observer aboard a NASA F-18 chase plane accompanying the flight noticed that a fuselage panel on the L-1011 appeared to be vibrating. The panel was located on the bottom, aft fuselage of the carrier aircraft behind the X-34. Based on video from the chase plane, test officials decided to end the flight. No further details were available pending a close inspection of the aircraft and extensive flight test data.

Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, AL, manages the X-34 program for NASA. Dryden Flight Research Center is supporting the captive carry part of the program with flight testing and ground vibration tests. Orbital Sciences Corp., Dulles, VA is designing, building and test flying the X-34 for NASA.

For more information on this flight or the X-34 program, contact Leslie Mathews at Dryden Center at (661) 258-3893 or Dom Amatore at the Marshall Center in at (256) 544-0034 or Jim Cast at NASA Headquarters in Washington D.C., at (202) 358-1779.