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The Leduc 0.21 was a
research aircraft
Research is creative and systematic work undertaken to increase the stock of knowledge. It involves the collection, organization, and analysis of evidence to increase understanding of a topic, characterized by a particular attentiveness to c ...
built in France in 1953 to refine the practicalities of
ramjet
A ramjet is a form of airbreathing jet engine that requires forward motion of the engine to provide air for combustion. Ramjets work most efficiently at supersonic speeds around and can operate up to .
Ramjets can be particularly appropriat ...
propulsion. Initially proposed as the 0.20, it was essentially similar to its predecessor, the
Leduc 0.10, but scaled up by around 30%, with
tip tanks added to the wings. It was not capable of take-off under its own power, and had to be
carried aloft and released.
Two examples were built and completed a very detailed flight test program from 1953 to 1956 to develop automated, operationally viable throttle controls for the ramjet. This included a total of 284 free flights. Designed for
subsonic speeds only, the 0.21 reached a top speed of Mach 0.95.
Specifications
References
Bibliography
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External links
* http://xplanes.free.fr/stato/stato-2.html
* test flight footage for Leduc 0.10, 0.16, 0.21, and 0.22 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzUJrweHxso
{{Leduc aircraft
1950s French experimental aircraft
Leduc aircraft
Ramjet-powered aircraft
Mid-wing aircraft
Aircraft first flown in 1953
Single-engined jet aircraft
Aircraft with retractable conventional landing gear