In the early 1960s,
the USAF was looking at several options for manned reconaissance spacecraft. The
more commonly known ones are the MOL/Gemini and the Dynasoar, but one that was
actually used several times was the RIVET (Reusable Intelligence Vehicle,
Exoatmospheric Travel), developed under the codenamed program "Count
Rivet".
Using a single,
large cast alloy of superb thermodynaic properties, the RIVET was boosted aloft
on Titan II boosters out of the Rhode Island Test Range. It was an unique
orbital vehicle, in that it's heat shield was the front end! After completing
the required number of orbits, and having achieved the orbital photographs and
radar scans needed, the pilot would assume his rear-facing landing couch and
re-enter the atmosphere. As best as can be determined, there were only 2 ever
built, and they were flown repeatedly from 1967 to 1971.
This RIVET was built
from a craft store plastic sphere, and a rolled up tube of styrene. The pilot is
from the Monogram 1/72 scale X-15.
Oh, and because the
"real" aircraft was built without rivets, so it this model. Go ahead,
count em...bet you can't get above 1!
Click on
images below to see larger images
*Area 51 is a Top Secret US
Air Force facility that handles all the Secret, Top Secret, Ultra Top
Secret and Real Super Ultra Uber Top Secret paperwork. It does not in any
way actually test or contain aircraft of terrestrial or extra terrestrial
origin. That stuff is at Area 42.
Alvis 3.1
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