swimmer25k Posted February 13, 2017 Share Posted February 13, 2017 "The Linear Aerospike SR-71 Experiment (LASRE) was a propulsion flight experiment for advanced space vehicles such as the X-33 and reusable launch vehicle. A linear aerospike rocket engine was integrated into a semi-span of an X-33-like lifting body shape (model), and carried on top of an SR-71 aircraft at NASA Dryden Flight Research Center. Because no flight data existed for aerospike nozzles, the primary objective of the LASRE flight experiment was to evaluate flight effects on the engine performance over a range of altitudes and Mach numbers.” Excerpt from: Kimberly A. Ennix , Griffin P. Corpening , Michele Jarvis , Harry R. Chiles, ‘Evaluation of the Linear Aerospike SR-71 Experiment (LASRE) Oxygen Sensor (1999)’.” Two years ago I purchased Tony Landis’ “Lockheed Blackbird Family Photo Scapbook” with hopes to build one of the YF-12s using the long out of production 1/48 Testors kit. I was immediately intrigued by the cover photograph which had a NASA SR-71 carrying a strange wedge mounted on a long “canoe” riding on the back of the jet. I did some internet research and changed my mind to build the 1/48 Testors SR-71 with the LASRE riding on its spine. The only way to go about building this project was to scratch-build anything that wasn’t part of the jet along with getting custom decals for the LASRE system, as well as the NASA logo on the jet’s tails. Here are some images of the finished model. Chris Quote Link to post Share on other sites
parche Posted February 13, 2017 Share Posted February 13, 2017 That looks sweet. Nice build. I'm going to have to go do some research now to learn more. Cheers, Dave Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ChippyWho Posted February 13, 2017 Share Posted February 13, 2017 You don't see one of those every day! Superb work. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
swimmer25k Posted February 13, 2017 Author Share Posted February 13, 2017 Thank you. I was hoping to be the first. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
airmechaja Posted February 13, 2017 Share Posted February 13, 2017 Beautiful job..........it's really piqued my interest ! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
dehowie Posted February 14, 2017 Share Posted February 14, 2017 Great lloking build and excellent work on the Lasre. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.