BGRV - Boost-Glide Re-entry Vehicle Credit: USAF. 14,303 bytes. 422 x 99 pixels.

The Boost Glide Re-entry Vehicle investigated related technological problems, particularly hypersonic manoeuvring after re-entry into the atmosphere. The test was flown on 26 February 1968 from Vandenberg AFB, California to the area of Wake Island in the Pacific Ocean. It was launched from an Atlas missile booster and served to provide much data on hypersonic manoeuvring flight characteristics. This data was of great value in developing later manoeuvring re-entry vehicles. Upon re-entry into the Earth's atmosphere, flight control was achieved through the use of the aft trim flares and a reaction jet system commanded from an on-board inertial guidance system instead of by aerodynamic controls.

The Boost Glide Re-entry Vehicle was launched from Vandenberg AFB, California to the area of Wake Island in the Pacific Ocean. It was launched from an Atlas missile booster and served to provide data on hypersonic manoeuvring flight characteristics.