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This Lockheed X-7A is on display at the Alamogordo Air and Space Park. While we visited the park, we were too captured by the V2 and Little Joe rockets, so we almost missed this one. Back at home, looking at our pictures, we realized what a gem we almost missed:
This craft once held the world speed record (Mach 4.31). Built by Lockheed Missiles and Space Company, the X-7A served as a test vehicle to develop a ramjet engine for the Boeing IM-99. The first X-7 flew on April 26, 1951 at the White Sands Missile Range, just a couple of miles from the Space Park.
It was air launched from a B-29 bomber and after approximately five seconds, the booster was jetisoned and the ramjet propelled the vehicle for the remainder of the flight. It was then recovered by parachute with impact upon the long nose penetration spike, which protected the craft from serious damage. The last X-7 flew on July 20, 1960 and the exhibit on display here is one of only six remaining.
We almost missed it, but fortunately we took the required picture and here is someone who took more and better pictures.
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