Dyna-Soar
Hypersonic Strategic Weapons System
By: Robert Godwin
It was a Space Shuttle with a mission - to drop a weaponpayload anywhere on Earth and to do so while approachingits target at hypersonic velocity - 18,000 miles perhour. Between 1957 and 1963 the Dyna-Soar programconsumed $430 million of the US taxpayer's money.However, it never flew. Cancelled less than two weeksafter President ......
AI Overview
The book "Dyna-Soar: Hypersonic Strategic Weapons System" by Robert Godwin is part of the Apogee Books Space Series and provides a detailed historical and technical account of the Dyna-Soar project. Here is a comprehensive overview of the book:
Key Themes
- Historical Context: The book sets the stage for the development of Dyna-Soar by discussing the Cold War era and the space race between the United States and the Soviet Union. It highlights how the U.S. Air Force and NASA collaborated to develop a hypersonic bomber capable of orbiting Earth.
- Technical Development: The book delves into the technical aspects of the project, including the design and engineering of the Dyna-Soar space plane. It covers the use of ramjet technology, the development of internal jets for altitude control, and the employment of retro-rockets for re-entry.
- Project History: It chronicles the project's phases from its inception in 1957 to its cancellation in 1963. The book discusses the key figures involved, such as Walter Robert Dornberger, Hugh Latimer Dryden, and Eugen Sänger, who contributed to the project's development.
- Legacy: The book explores how the Dyna-Soar project influenced later space programs, particularly NASA’s X aircraft experiments and the space shuttle designs. It emphasizes the innovative aspects of Dyna-Soar that were ahead of its time, such as controlled landings and the potential for carrying materials into space.
Plot Summary
The book provides a detailed narrative of the Dyna-Soar project, including:
- Initial Concept: The idea of a hypersonic bomber dates back to the early 1940s in Germany, where Irene Bredt and Eugen Sänger developed the Sanger-Bredt Antipodal Bomber. This concept was later adopted by the U.S. Air Force and NACA (precursor to NASA).
- Development Phases: The book outlines the various stages of development, from the initial joint venture between the U.S. Air Force and NASA to the final design and testing phases. It discusses the challenges faced during development and the technological advancements made.
- Operational Plans: The Dyna-Soar was designed to be launched by a Titan III rocket, reach orbital velocity, and then glide into orbit using centrifugal force. Internal jets would control altitude, and retro-rockets would facilitate re-entry and controlled landing on metal brush runners.
Critical Reception
The book has received positive reviews for its comprehensive coverage of the Dyna-Soar project. Here are some key points from critical reception:
- Detailed Information: The book is praised for its detailed historical and technical information, making it valuable for both historians and enthusiasts of aerospace engineering.
- Visual Aids: It includes scale drawings, dimensions, and photographs that are highly beneficial for modelers and those interested in the visual aspects of the project.
- Rarity of Footage: The inclusion of rare Dyna-Soar footage on DVD adds a unique dimension to the book, providing a visual history that complements the written narrative.
Overall, "Dyna-Soar: Hypersonic Strategic Weapons System" by Robert Godwin is a thorough and engaging account of one of the most significant "what-ifs" in American aerospace history. It offers a rich historical context, detailed technical insights, and a compelling narrative that highlights the innovative spirit of the Dyna-Soar project.