Home > Arts > Artists > E > General Electric
Lunar Landing Research Vehicle in Flight
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Space Images
Lunar Landing Research Vehicle in Flight
In this 1965 NASA Flight Research Center photograph the Lunar Landing Research Vehicle (LLRV) is shown at near maximum altitude over the south base at Edwards Air Force Base. Built of tubular aluminum like a giant four-legged bedstead, the vehicle was to simulate a lunar landing profile from around 1500 feet to the moons surface. To do this, the LLRV had a General Electric CF- 700-2V turbofan engine mounted vertically in gimbals, with 4200 pounds of thrust. The engine, using JP-4 fuel, got the vehicle up to the test altitude and was then throttled back to support five-sixths of the vehicles weight, simulating the reduced gravity of the moon. Two hydrogen-peroxide lift rockets with thrust that could be varied from 100 to 500 pounds handled the LLRVs rate of descent and horizontal translations. Sixteen smaller hydrogen-peroxide rockets, mounted in pairs, gave the pilot control in pitch, yaw, and roll. On the LLRV, in case of jet engine failure, six 500-pounds-of thrust rockets could be used by the pilot to carefully apply lift thrust during the rapid descent to hopefully achieve a controllable landing. The pilots platform extended forward between two legs while an electronics platform, similarly located, extended rearward. The pilot had a zero-zero ejection seat that would lift him away to safety. Weight and balance design constraints were among the most challenging to meet for all phases of the program (design, development, operations)
Space Image feature a selection of NASA's incredible imagery
Media ID 634536
© NASA
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Arts
> Artists
> E
> General Electric
> Science
> Space Exploration
> Apollo Missions
> Science
> Space Exploration
> The Moon
> Science
> Space Exploration
> Related Images
> Science
> Space Exploration
> Space Rockets
> Space Images
> Departments
> Dryden Flight Research Center
EDITORS COMMENTS
This 1965 NASA Flight Research Center photograph showcases the Lunar Landing Research Vehicle (LLRV) soaring through the skies above Edwards Air Force Base. Resembling a colossal four-legged bedstead, this remarkable vehicle was meticulously designed to replicate a lunar landing profile from an altitude of approximately 1500 feet down to the moon's surface. Powered by a General Electric CF-700-2V turbofan engine with an impressive thrust of 4200 pounds, the LLRV utilized JP-4 fuel to reach its desired test altitude. Once there, the engine would be throttled back to support five-sixths of the vehicle's weight, simulating the reduced gravity experienced on the moon. To control its rate of descent and horizontal movements, two hydrogen-peroxide lift rockets were employed with adjustable thrust ranging from 100 to 500 pounds. Additionally, sixteen smaller hydrogen-peroxide rockets provided pitch, yaw, and roll control for the pilot. In case of jet engine failure during rapid descent, six powerful rockets generating 500 pounds of thrust each could be activated by the pilot for controlled landing attempts. The LLRV featured a unique design with a forward-extending pilots platform situated between two legs and a rearward electronics platform in close proximity. Weight and balance considerations posed significant challenges throughout all phases of this groundbreaking program - including design, development, and operations. This extraordinary print captures both ingenuity and determination as NASA engineers pushed boundaries in their quest for safe lunar landings.
MADE IN THE USA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.