X-15 Space Control Idea

[Cobra]

Hey Guys, What Do You think of this:What If the X-15 had been Developed into a 'Space Control' Craft,Used for Clearing Hazardous & Sometimes Dead Satellites from Orbit? i saw there wasn't a Lot of X-15 WHIFs and that got me to Thinking. What Say You? thanks for looking. Dan

[Maverick]

Dan,

You might or mightn't be aware of the proposed delta wing X-15, which I believe was a proposed carry on from the original.

Regards,

Mav

[Cobra]

Mav, i was aware of the Delta Winged X-15. i saw it on a site i go to. that was part of What Inspired my Idea! Dan

[Hobbes]

That would take significant redesign to the X-15:
- 3x more fuel to get it to orbital speed
- add space for a space tug (reentry motor for the satellite), or a cargo bay that the satellite would fit into: but if you fit a cargo bay, the size goes up significantly again.
- redesign the airframe for reentry from orbital speeds

The end result wouldn't look much like the X-15, and I doubt that the X-15 concept could be used for a true spacecraft: to get to orbital speed, you need too much weight to make carrying by an aircraft feasible.

[anthonyp]

I've got some space fighters coming soon based on the X-15.  Both a few 1/72 versions, a 1/64 one (odd scale, might become a delta winged one) and a 1/130 one that's getting scale-o-ramaed into a larger 1/144 version.

[beowulf]

funny enough......i have an X15 whif in the pipe line........................................just need a gurt big missle to strap to it 

[TsrJoe]

http://www.whatifmodelers.com/index.php/topic,16654.0/highlight,asat.html

[sideshowbob9]

...and a 1/130 one that's getting scale-o-ramaed into a larger 1/144 version.

This is what I have planned for mine. The tail surfaces are a bit clunky though so I might replace them. I intend to stick mine on top of a scratch-built proto-Saturn (using a pritt-stick, a fuel tank and some old airliner fuselage - just call me Blue Peter!) as a Gemini equivalent.

So yes, I do think yours is a good idea!