Preparing the Spirit II Test Vehicle for recovery.

This was one of the many types of interceptor which were being developed in support of the Strategic Defense Inititiative.

The author (center) connects hardware for lifting.

A B-1 Lancer drops a full load of 84 MK82 500 lb bombs on PB-10, at 300' above ground level and .9 mach.

Bombs are equipped with BSU-49/B tail assemblies. These deploy Ballutes (balloon-parachutes), to slow their rate of descent allowing the aircraft to safely clear the area before they impact and explode.




Top photo is a view from DAGRAG Tower.





Middle photo is a view from one of the chase aircraft.






Bottom photo is from DAGRAG Tower, South Gun is in the foreground, poles are to hang 20'x20' gun target panels on.

One of many vehicles on the Strip Range, this one has been well shot-up.

Other vehicles include: a radar truck (which had a direct hit on it by an inert Maverick missile), several tanks, a B-47, etc.

Another test vehicle recovery.

The HIRM was a test project of the Royal Air Force. After drop from another aircraft, it glided around via radio-control, and when it was at a predetermined altitude, it would deploy its recovery chute, and make a soft landing on PB-8.

The 15 ton is visible at the top of the photos