Martin X-23 PRIME

The Martin X-23A PRIME (Precision Reentry Including Maneuvering reEntry) was a small lifting body re-entry vehicle tested by the United States Air Force in the mid-1960s. Unlike ASSET primarily used for structural and heating research the X-23 PRIME was developed to study the effects of maneuvering during re-entry of Earth's atmosphere including cross-range maneuvers up to 710 statute miles (1143 km) off of the ballistic track.

Martin X-23 PRIME and Martin Marietta X-24A/HL-10 research aircraft also explored aspects of sub-orbital and space flight.1

Made by Martin Marietta.

Martin X-23 PRIME is the predecessor of the Martin Marietta X-24A.

Jet Or Prop
jet
Height Alt
0.64 m
Engine(jet)
Nitrogen-gas reaction control thrusters
Length Alt
2.07 m
Range Main
710 miles
More Performance
1
Successor
Martin Marietta X-24A
Max Speed Main
Mach 25
Status
Out of service
Number Built
3
Crew
None
Retired
1967-04-19
19
Span Main
116.84
Height Main
63.5
Primary user
United States Air Force
Span Alt
1.16 m
Plane Or Copter?
plane
Manufacturer
Martin Marietta
First Flight
21
Loaded Weight Alt
405.0
Loaded Weight Main
890.0
Variants With Their Own Articles
Martin Marietta X-24A
Length Main
205.74
Sequence
X-20 -X-21 -X-22 -X-23 -X-24 -X-25 -X-26
Range Alt
1143.0
Similar Aircraft
ASSET
Molniya BOR-4
Category
Glider aircraft
Lifting body aircraft
Martin aircraft
Spaceplanes
UAVs and drones of the United States
United States experimental aircraft 1960-1969

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