X-26 Frigate
The X-26 is a sailplane and is the longest-lived of the X-plane programs.
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.
Operational History
The X-26B were X-26As modified with a Continental O-200A 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.
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: 857 lb (389 kg)
- Loaded: 1430 lb (650 kg)
- Maximum takeoff: lb ( kg)
Performance
- Maximum speed: 158 mph (254 km/h)
- Maximum glide ratio:
- Rate of sink: 0.6 m/s (120 ft/min)
- Wing loading: 39 kg/m² (7.9 lb/ft²)
References
American X-Vehicles (http://history.nasa.gov/monograph31.pdf) (.pdf)
Related content
Related development:
Schweizer SGS 2-32 -
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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