North American F-100D ZEL (Zero-Length Launch)
11700 lbs P&W J57-P-21 plus Rocketdyne M.34, 130,000 lbs thrust for 4 seconds. Accelerate F-100 to 275 mph in 4 sec.The first five test used a dummy load (Iron Bird) made of steel and concrete to match the mass and mass distribution of a F-100. The first of these test took place Dec 12, 1957.
The following photos are from the second launch Jan 15, 1958.
Two F-100Ds were used in these test, 56-2904 and 56-2947. The first F-100 launch was on March 26, 1958. On the second launch using 56-2904 April 11, 1958, test pilot Al Blackburn ejected safely after the rocket booster would not drop off. There were 20 uneventful launches after this accident.
For more information see Joe Baugher's web page.
