This inflatable delta wing was part of a test program in the early 1960s to develop a controllable system for landing two-person Gemini capsules on land, rather than parachuting into the ocean. It was used by North American Aviation, the prime contractor to NASA for the paraglider, in conjunction with the Tow Test Vehicles 1 and 2 (TTV-1 and 2), to conduct a series of experiments in gliding and landing at the Edwards Air Force Base in California. Due to technical difficulties and a tight schedule for the Gemini program, the concept never became operational.
Francis Rogallo, an engineer at the NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia, invented the "Rogallo wing" concept in the 1950s. Later it was primarily used for hang gliders. North American Aviation gave this wing to the Smithsonian in 1967 on behalf of NASA.
Display Status
This object is on display in Human Spaceflight at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA.
Object Details
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
SPACECRAFT-Crewed-Test Vehicles
Manufacturer
North American Aviation Inc.
Dimensions
Overall: 42ft 7 13/16in. x 32ft 9 11/16in. (1300 x 999.97cm)
Materials
Rubber, fabric, metal
Inventory Number
A19710831000
Credit Line
Transferred from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.
