Object Details
Manufacturer
Northrop Aircraft Inc.
Summary
This is the Sleighride rocket sled, which was used at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, in 1952-1953 for testing the impact behavior of timers, batteries, fuses, and other components of missiles and bombs. Additionally, it tested the effect of rain against bomb and missile radomes during simulated high speed flights. The rains in the tests were simulated by sprinklers. The sled is fitted with a radome in front and five inert 2.5-KS-18,000 Aerojet-General solid fuel JATO (Jet-Assisted-Take-Off) rocket motors which produced a total of 90,000 pounds of thrust for 2.5 seconds.
The Sleighride was transferred to the Smithsonian in 1967 by the U.S. Army.
Credit Line
Transferred by the U.S. Army
Date
1952-1953
Inventory Number
A19680018000
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Type
PROPULSION-Accessories (to an Engine)
Materials
Frame work, steel; body, sheet aluminum, apparently 6064-T4; clamps for holding rocket motors, stainless steel; nose, fiberglass; rail slippers, steel.
Dimensions
Overall: 343 5/8 in. long x 54 in. tall x 102 in. wide , 4335 lb. (872.75 x 137.16 x 259.08cm, 1966.3kg)
Other (without JATOs): 2700 lb. (1224.7kg)
Overall (JATOs): 1635 lb. (741.6kg)
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_A19680018000