I’ve always found testbed aircraft to be a fascinating subject -these are often familiar types that have been converted into sometimes barely recognizable forms to serve as airborne laboratories for developing new aerodynamics, engines, electronics, and other systems. Although perhaps not as glamorous as combat types, these “oddball” aircraft have played a major part in advancing flight, and author Frederick Johnsen has done a splendid job of chronicling them in this volume.<\/p>\n
Some highlights:<\/p>\n
Focuses on postwar efforts such as the XF-85 Goblin, FICON, Tip Tow and Tom Tom, but also has coverage of the F9C Sparrowhawk, German Mistel, Japanese Ohka, as well as the use of B-17s<\/a> to launch JB-2 missiles.<\/p>\n Includes:<\/p>\n Photos detailing a NACA B-24M used as a testbed for Westinghouse jet engines Includes several photos of the P2B (B-29<\/a>) launch aircraft for the D-558-II Skyrocket, including close-up damage photos for a runaway propeller accident. There are also photos of the B-50 mothership for the Bell X-2.<\/p>\n Details the career of the NB-52 motherships used over the years to launch the X-15, lifting bodies, HiMAT and DAST drones, the X-38 Crew Return Vehicle, and ultimately the X-43 hypersonic test article.<\/p>\n Chapter 11: Airframe Mods and System Tests<\/strong> Bell L-39 swept-wing testbed P-61 and JD-1 eject seat testbeds There are many more subjects in this detailed and well illustrated book. A definite “must have” for those interested in out of the ordinary aircraft and for modelers looking for a unique subject.<\/p>\n As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\nChapter 3: Bomber Bonus Testbed<\/h2>\n
\nXB-24Q for testing the B-47’s tail turret
\nExcellent coverage of the five-engined B-17 testbeds, including a shot of a 299Z with a J65 under the nose.
\nRP-38 Lightning with second cockpit fitted on the port boom.
\nJM-1 Marauder<\/a> with a Westinghouse 19B turbojet.<\/p>\nChapter 6: Postwar Motherships<\/h2>\n
Chapter 7: Motherships in the Jet Age<\/h2>\n
\nSome highlights:<\/p>\n
\nXF-88B and XF-84H turboprops
\nNorthrop X-21
\nHiller X-18 tilt-wing<\/p>\nChapter 12: Miscellanea
\nIncludes:<\/h2>\n
\nP-61, F-82 and B-29 ramjet test aircraft
\nDetails of an F-106 with underwing J85s<\/p>\n