A ceramic aerothermodynamic heat transfer model of the X-34 is being prepared for testing in the 31-Inch Mach 10 Wind Tunnel located at NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, Va. The model is a 0.018-scale version of the X-34 advanced technology flight demonstration vehicle. The X-34 is an autonomous rocket-powered, air-launched winged concept that is smaller, lighter and much less expensive than other lifting body vehicles, for example, the X-33. The X-34 is intended for hypersonic flight up to speeds of Mach 8, and would be used to demonstrate technologies for future reusable space transportation vehicles. The first flight of the X-34 vehicle is currently scheduled for early 1999.
