Launched APR 28. 1961.
(Capsule "14" flew as LJ5A, and as LJ5B after repair.)
As with LJ5 and LJ5A a retro pack was fitted, and also as with LJ5A, a live retro grade motor was fitted in case of capsule seperation failure. As the capsule seperation occured, the retro pack with the live motor was instantly jettisoned. As with LJ5A the Retro grade motor was fitted to port three.
Only discernable identifaction point between LJ5A and LJ5B, is the top half only of the capsule to transition marman clamp cover painted red.
Capsule 14 was sent for repair after damage during the LJ5A flight. The landing speed of LJ5A was shown to be only 25MPH. Also during the repair period, further landing bag tests were carried out, and to speed up the preperation of the LJ5B flight, it was decided that the landing bag would "not" be used.
NOTE!. It can be seen that in the take off shot, only one of the castor motors ignited, the second having a "hangfire" at launch for 5 seconds.
( Capsule 14 is now hanging fom the ceiling in an Alabama Museum, but the window area and panel above have been scavenged, and now have blank plates fitted. This is not the flight profile. )
(Take off photo courtesy John Pursley.Capsule 14 (LJ5A/B.) Photo courtesy
Sven Knudson.)
If further details are required please contact me. peter.mcquillan@virgin.net