Advanced Soaring Concepts Apex
Encyclopedia
The Advanced Soaring Concepts Apex was a remotely-piloted sailplane designed to take part in a NASA
study of high-altitude aerodynamics.
It was planned to lift the aircraft to around 100,000 ft (30,487 m) by balloon and release it there.
Rockets would assist the aircraft to transition to horizontal flight. The Apex's wing was designed by Dr Mark Drela of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology
, and mounted a "wake rake" containing sensors to measure drag behind the wing.
Flights were originally scheduled for 1998, but the program fell behind schedule.
In January 1999, the aircraft was reportedly under construction and would be delivered to the Dryden Flight Research Center
for flights beginning in March or early April. By that time, however, the project had been mothballed.
It was revived briefly one year later, before being cancelled altogether.
NASA
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration is the agency of the United States government that is responsible for the nation's civilian space program and for aeronautics and aerospace research...
study of high-altitude aerodynamics.
It was planned to lift the aircraft to around 100,000 ft (30,487 m) by balloon and release it there.
Rockets would assist the aircraft to transition to horizontal flight. The Apex's wing was designed by Dr Mark Drela of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology is a private research university located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. MIT has five schools and one college, containing a total of 32 academic departments, with a strong emphasis on scientific and technological education and research.Founded in 1861 in...
, and mounted a "wake rake" containing sensors to measure drag behind the wing.
Flights were originally scheduled for 1998, but the program fell behind schedule.
In January 1999, the aircraft was reportedly under construction and would be delivered to the Dryden Flight Research Center
Dryden Flight Research Center
The Dryden Flight Research Center , located inside Edwards Air Force Base, is an aeronautical research center operated by NASA. On March 26, 1976 it was named in honor of the late Hugh L. Dryden, a prominent aeronautical engineer who at the time of his death in 1965 was NASA's deputy administrator...
for flights beginning in March or early April. By that time, however, the project had been mothballed.
It was revived briefly one year later, before being cancelled altogether.