Object Details
Manufacturer
Dr. Robert H. Goddard
Summary
These are streamlined, retractable jet deflector vanes mounted on a tail section of a rocket of the American rocket pioneer Dr. Robert H. Goddard. Designed to achieve better stability in flight, the moveable vanes worked by deflecting the rocket's exhaust gases away from the axis of the rocket.
The rockets using the vane system, known as the L-series of rockets, were produced and tested from May 1936 to August 1938 at Roswell, New Mexico. Goddard found that the vanes provided "much improved stabilization." This object was found in the Smithsonian collections.
Date
ca. 1937-1938
Inventory Number
A19650274000
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Type
CRAFT-Missile & Rocket Parts
Materials
Aluminum
Paint
Steel
Wood
Aluminum rocket body section, 17St grade of aluminum; deflectors (three of them), stainless steel; the remaining deflector, steel; deflector arms andscrews, steel; screws on fins, aluminum
Dimensions
3-D: 48.3 × 48.3 × 94cm (19 × 19 × 37 in.)
Country of Origin
United States of America
See more items in
National Air and Space Museum Collection
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nasm_A19650274000