X-26A/X-26B

Specifications

Company- Schweizer Aircraft; Lockheed Missiles
Type- Flight demonstrator for stealth-type observation platform.
Goals- Develop ultra-quiet surveillance aircraft.
Primary Testing Facility Research- Vietnam
Dimensions- Span- 57 ft, 15 in; Length- 26 ft, 9 in; Height: 9 ft, 3 in
Max Speed- 158 MPH
Range- N/A
Max Altitude- 18,500 ft
Power Plant- One Continental O-200-A horizontally opposed 4-cylinder piston engine with 100 hp
Thrust- N/A
Weights- Empty: 857 lbs; Fully Loaded- 1,430 lbs
Payload- N/A
Flights- Unknown
Number of Prototypes Built- 6
Project Tenure- 1967-1988
Project Status- Cancelled

Information

The X-26 is a sailplane and is the longest-lived of the X-plane programs.

The X-26A was used by the U.S. Navy (USN) to train test pilots in the condition of yaw/roll coupling. Since jet trainers were known to be dangerous in this condition, the X-26 was based on the Schweizer SGS 2-32 sailplane. Sailplanes react much slower and are easier to control than jet aircraft, making the X-26 a much safer training platform. Four aircraft were originally ordered. Three of the original planes crashed. The USN purchased a replacement for each of the crashed units.

The X-26B were X-26As modified with a Continental O-200-A engine and propeller. These aircraft were designed to test stealth observation techniques for aircraft during the Vietnam War. Two of the X-26As were modified for the program. They were tested in Vietnam successfully. The Lockheed YO-3A Quiet Star program continued the research begun by the X-26B. After the completion of their part of the program, the X-26Bs were de-modified and returned to the USN.

The USN continues to use the X-26A in the training program at the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School.

** Information provided by Wikipedia **