Zero length launching. ZELL.

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AtomKraft
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Zero length launching. ZELL.

#1 Post by AtomKraft » Wed May 27, 2020 2:29 pm

I'd never seen footage of an actual Starfighter launch.

Here's some.



Here's a longer version in Deutsch.



Boac
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Re: Zero length launching. ZELL.

#2 Post by Boac » Wed May 27, 2020 2:43 pm

There were definitely a few heart-stopping moments before aileron control appeared.

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Re: Zero length launching. ZELL.

#3 Post by AtomKraft » Wed May 27, 2020 2:52 pm

Aye, it seemed to go quite a bit left wing down in that head on shot. On the other hand, it seemed to get up to speed remarkably quickly.
I've hunted for footage of this before, so either this has recently been released, or...🤓

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Re: Zero length launching. ZELL.

#4 Post by TheGreenGoblin » Wed May 27, 2020 3:00 pm

A real kick in the backside to get that brick flying. Very interesting, thanks for posting...

ZELL

Lockheed_F-104G_DA_102_ZELL_tests_Edwards_AFB_1963_(mfr_LA_3183_via_RJF)_(16929987577).jpg
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Re: Zero length launching. ZELL.

#5 Post by Boac » Wed May 27, 2020 3:10 pm

You would only need a few seconds of burn to get enough IAS for aileron control, but they would be long seconds..........

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Re: Zero length launching. ZELL.

#6 Post by TheGreenGoblin » Wed May 27, 2020 6:05 pm

In the black and white shot of the Starfighter above, taken in the USA, I wonder if that smoke is purple - potassium permanganate and high-test peroxide...

Possibly Nitrocellulose....

Truly Smoke On The Water or the desert or whatever

Forgive me Lord... I was so tempted to post a music video...
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Re: Zero length launching. ZELL.

#7 Post by ian16th » Wed May 27, 2020 9:11 pm

What payload/fuel* load were they carrying?

*By fuel I mean Avtur.
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