Lockheed Corporation
Lockheed X-7
The Lockheed X‑7 was an experimental rocket‑powered research aircraft built by Lockheed Corporation in the 1950s. Developed under a United States Air Force contract, the X‑7 first flew on 25 September 1951 from Holloman AFB, New Mexico. Its purpose was to serve as a high‑speed, high‑altitude platform for studying ram‑jet and scram‑jet propulsion, aerodynamic heating, and control at Mach 2 and above.
The X‑7 featured a sharply tapered magnesium‑alloy fuselage, a 5‑foot‑diameter nose‑mounted turbine‑driven ram‑jet, and interchangeable propulsion modules that let researchers swap between a conventional rocket, a ram‑jet, and later a scram‑jet testbed. A unique detachable aft section could be recovered by parachute after a test, allowing reuse of instrumentation. Over its 73‑flight career, the aircraft reached speeds over 2,200 mph and altitudes near 80 000 ft, providing data that influenced later aircraft such as the Lockheed F‑104 Starfighter and the SR‑71 Blackbird.
The X‑7’s contributions to high‑speed propulsion research cemented its role as a pivotal step in the evolution of supersonic and hypersonic flight, demonstrating the feasibility of air‑breathing engines for future fighter and reconnaissance platforms. Its legacy continues to inform modern hypersonic vehicle programs worldwide.
The X‑7 featured a sharply tapered magnesium‑alloy fuselage, a 5‑foot‑diameter nose‑mounted turbine‑driven ram‑jet, and interchangeable propulsion modules that let researchers swap between a conventional rocket, a ram‑jet, and later a scram‑jet testbed. A unique detachable aft section could be recovered by parachute after a test, allowing reuse of instrumentation. Over its 73‑flight career, the aircraft reached speeds over 2,200 mph and altitudes near 80 000 ft, providing data that influenced later aircraft such as the Lockheed F‑104 Starfighter and the SR‑71 Blackbird.
The X‑7’s contributions to high‑speed propulsion research cemented its role as a pivotal step in the evolution of supersonic and hypersonic flight, demonstrating the feasibility of air‑breathing engines for future fighter and reconnaissance platforms. Its legacy continues to inform modern hypersonic vehicle programs worldwide.
Classification
Dimensions
- Length
- 9.98 metre
- Height
- 2.1 metre
Production & History
- First Flight
- 1951
- Service Entry
- 1951
Design & Classification
- Country of Origin
- Manufacturer
- Lockheed Corporation
- Operator
-
United States Air Force
- Wikidata ID
- Q1454911