MARTIN X-24B
    In 1972, the X-24A was stripped to the basic framework and rebuilt
 as the X-24B with a more stable external configuration designed by
 the Air Force Flight Dynamics labratory. The new body was delta-
 shaped and had twice the lifting surface of the X-24A. As a contin-
 uation of PILOT, the goals of the testing program were to explore
 handling qualities of the wingless configuration for extended near-
 earth flight and for conventional runway approaches and landings.
     The flight plan for the X-24B was much the same as that of the
 X-24A. After being carried to about 45,000 feet (13,680 meters)
 altitude by a B-52, the X-24B was released. Following ignition and
 burnout of the rocket engine, the pilot guided the lifting body to a
 glide landing. On August 5, 1975, the X-24B made the first landing
 of a lifting body on a conventional runway. A second landing on the
 same runway on August 20, 1975 confirmed that the lifting body could
 safely be landed like normal aircraft.
     The X-24B made its thirty-sixth and last flight on November 26,
 1975. It was delivered to the Museum in November 1976.
 SPECIFICATIONS
 Span: 19 ft. 2 in.
 Length: 37 ft. 6 in.
 Height: 10 ft. 4 in.
 Weight: 13,000 lbs. loaded
 Armament: None
 Engine: One Thiokol XLR-11 rocket of 8,000 lbs. thrust;
 two Bell LLRV optional landing rockets of 400 lbs. thrust each
 Serial number: 66-13551
 PERFORMANCE
 Maximum speed: 1,163 mph.
 Maximum Altitude: 74,130 ft.
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