Aerodynamic flight research using the Pegasus air-launched space booster

Completed and planned flight research using the Pegasus as a research vehicle and booster for other hypersonic research vehicles is reviewed. Highlights from flights 1 and 2 are discussed and compared with some analytical results. In particular, attention is given to total vehicle aerodynamics (performance and trim), local aerodynamics (pressure and heat flux distributions), and response of the thermal protection system. Future programs will include a metallic wing test section for laminar flow studies and the use of the Pegasus to boost a research vehicle to hypersonic speeds. The proposed concepts for a dedicated hypersonic research vehicle project are also discussed.