Aviation History - "The Flying Potato"

The Martin Company designed and manufactured a variety of aircraft at its Middle River plant in Baltimore, Maryland. These included the B-26 bomber, 404 airliner and P6M flying boat. One of the most unusual of these was the X-24A "Lifting Body" which was also the last airplane designed and built by Martin in Baltimore. Referred to as the "Flying Potato", it haad no wings and ws used as a research vehicle for advanced spacecraft. The technology gained from the X-24A was later applied to the Space Shuttle. The lecture will include a description of the tehnical goals and accomplishments of the project as well as some of the experiences of personnel working on the program.