Douglas X-3 Stiletto

Modeling Subjects Aircraft
1

I’m finally building my old Lindberg X-3 kit. I have downloaded exterior shots taken at NASA’s Dryden Test Facility in the late 1950s. The only surviving plane (only two were built) is at the USAF Museum in Dayton, OH. I can’t locate any detailed, closeup shots of the interior, under carriage, or access opening for the pilot. My photos suggest this last item is on the underside of the aircraft ( I assume the pilot would have climbed up and into the ejection seat and the door closed to provide the floor pan). Anyone that could provide closeup details of this aircraft would be most apreciated[:p]

2

Page Bubbamoosecat. He was there recently and is a regular visitor of that wonderful museum. He might have what you need, or may be able to get it for you when he is next there! Good luck!

Domi

3

Thanks, Domi; A few corrections, though. My Dryden photos show the X-3 in its original NACA (pre NASA) livery. The photos are grainy b&w shots at various angles. there are an assortment of numbers and arrows painted on the aircraft to identify specific ducts, probes, and sensors. Also, the seat is not an ejection seat but, an old bare metal one with a 6-point harness. I have some color photos but nothing showing the belly or the nose gear/well area close-up.

4

Thanks, Domi; A few corrections, though. My Dryden photos show the X-3 in its original NACA (pre NASA) livery. The photos are grainy b&w shots at various angles. there are an assortment of numbers and arrows painted on the aircraft to identify specific ducts, probes, and sensors. Also, the seat is not an ejection seat but, an old bare metal one with a 6-point harness. I have some color photos but nothing showing the belly or the nose gear/well area close-up.
Thanks, Phil

5

You have probably already seen this, but here is the one at the AF Museum. http://www.wpafb.af.mil/museum/modern_flight/mf58.htm

I haven’t seen pictures of it but I was told by someone at the museum that the entire floor of the aircraft was lowered on cables with the seat still attached, the pilot would sit down, then the whole thing would be lifted back into place.

hope this helps

6

Thanks, Wayners.
It’s very possible that the hoist method was employed. Unless the angle has distorted the view, the images I have from the NASA Dryden Test Flight Facility http://trc.dfrc.nasa.gov/Gallery/Photo/X-3/Large/E-2412.jpg appear to show the aircraft sitting too low to allow the lowered floor pan enough clearance for the seat and a seated pilot and not touch the ground. I doubt they wanted the belly scuffed up while making high-speed flights. Phil