NASA Flight Research Centre sub scale 'mini-shuttle' proposal

[Chris_petty]

Hi,
Hoping someone out there can help me with some information on the NASA Flight Research Centre (later Dryden, now Armstrong) 1972 proposal for a sub scale research aircraft based on Rockwell's shuttle Orbiter design.

The idea behind the vehicle was to test the design from mach 5 to landing. It would have been air-launched by the NB-52 and had a single pilot. Engines from the X-15 and Lifting Body programs would have been reused.

I've managed to get this much info from Dennis Jenkins Space Shuttle and Hallion's On The Frontier, but beyond that I can't find any original documentation or plans relating to the proposal. Do any of you have additional info or docs that you'd be willing to share?

thanks
Chris
thehighfrontier.blog