LJ1A
Launched 0930, November 4,1959Max dynamic abort for Merc/Atlas. This is definately LJ1A. (Positive proof courtesy of Bill Spadafora.)
This was the actual Boilerplate re-used from the beach abort test which flew on the 22nd July 1959. The term Boilerplate should only be used for "this" capsule. The name being due to the conical section, and the base being made from 1/8th rolled mild carbon steel.
Two Pollux motors,plus two empty cases, and four Recruits.Max altitude 44,000ft, MACH 0.81. LJ1A was the last flight to use the chevron plates. Note single down-curved row of lettering, half orange booster transition, and full orange lower capsule upto the junction with the corrugated inconel.
(There were "three" types of capsule used for the little Joe 1 series. "Prototype", "Boilerplate", and "production". To call LJ1,LJ6,LJ2 and LJ1B "Boilerplates" also, does the Langley crafstmen a great dis-service. The "protoypes" were as complex as the production capsules in their own right).
Quote.
" A ballast weight,with an offset total-head pressure tube,18.25 inches long, mounted onto it, was attached to the forward end of the escape motor."
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If further details are required contact me. peter.mcquillan@virgin.net