Robotic Combat Systems
The program was launched in 1962. It involved the creation of a complex for reconnaissance deep behind enemy lines. The UAV was supposed to carry one high-resolution camera.
In the early 60s, the development of a promising reconnaissance aircraft was started. The work on the creation of the aircraft was then taken up by the top-secret branch of the Lockheed company, known as Skunk works. To create the terms of reference, studies were carried out, the purpose of which was to assess the influence of various aircraft parameters on the probability of hitting an enemy air defense aircraft. We can say that this was the first precedent when the developers evaluated the RCS of the aircraft.
The high-altitude reconnaissance A-12 developed by this program had characteristics unique for its time. The hull was on Titanium 85%, which was due to the high flight speeds at which the aircraft skin was heated by air friction. Sheathing could withstand continuous heating at 210 degrees Celsius.
The aircraft had a maximum speed of 3300 km / h and a ceiling of almost 30 000 meters. He became the prototype of the scout SR-71.
In 1962, the CIA, together with the US Air Force, ordered the development of a high-altitude, high-speed UAV. The task was assigned to Skunk works. It was decided to use the A-12 aircraft as a UAV carrier. The UAV received the code Q-12. It used all the key technologies of the A-12, such as the wing shape and titanium body.
The UAV had a ramjet engine. The engine was originally developed for the CIM-10 Bomarc program, which developed the long-range ground-to-air missile. The engine was upgraded to run on fuel (JP-7) similar to the aircraft carrier.
The test version was ready in December 1962. Tests have shown that the UAV has an extremely low ESR. Tests in a wind tunnel have shown the fidelity in the calculations of the developers. The army immediately became interested in this device, and the military was interested in using the UAV both as a reconnaissance aircraft and as a cruise missile. In May 1963, Skunk works received the green light to complete the model and test it. The A-12 aircraft was redesigned, it was made two-seater and the rear part was slightly changed for attaching the UAV. 2 such aircraft were created.
The first successful test was made in 1966. In the same year, successful launches were made at a speed of 3.3 M and an altitude of 27 m. In the same year, an accident occurred at a speed of 000 M, the UAV hooked on the carrier aircraft, after which both collapsed. Both pilots ejected and splashed down, but only one survived the crash, the other suffocated due to suit depressurization.
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