These are streamlined, retractable jet deflector vanes mounted on a tail section of a rocket of the American rocket pioneer Dr. Robert H. Goddard. Designed to achieve better stability in flight, the moveable vanes worked by deflecting the rocket's exhaust gases away from the axis of the rocket.
The rockets using the vane system, known as the L-series of rockets, were produced and tested from May 1936 to August 1938 at Roswell, New Mexico. Goddard found that the vanes provided "much improved stabilization." This object was found in the Smithsonian collections.
Display Status
This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Object Details
Date
ca. 1937-1938
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
CRAFT-Missile & Rocket Parts
Manufacturer
Dr. Robert H. Goddard
Dimensions
3-D: 48.3 × 48.3 × 94cm (19 × 19 × 37 in.)
Materials
Aluminum
Paint
Steel
Wood
Aluminum rocket body section, 17St grade of aluminum; deflectors (three of them), stainless steel; the remaining deflector, steel; deflector arms andscrews, steel; screws on fins, aluminum
Inventory Number
A19650274000
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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