Gemini Titan II, X20 Dyna Soar Mods (BETA)

NOTE:  I expect to be updating this project as I develop it further.  Stop back for any possible updates.

Dyna-Soar (Boeing X-20)

NOTE: These Mods just ‘bolt on’ to the Estes Gemini so, I decided to offer an alternative to the huge fins that most Dyna Soar illustrations show.  They always looked clunky to me, so I went with the much cooler (IMHO) looking Saturn 1B style fin cluster.  

BTW- if you don't want to buy the Gemini Titan II kit, you can just get the tubing from Estes and used these parts to assemble an Dyna-Soar system.

Little history for those of you unfamiliar with project Dyna-Soar

In 1958, the U.S. Air Force opened the project for bidding. While Bell Aircraft had the most experience and pioneer work, the final contract for the spaceplane was awarded to Boeing in 1959.

• Boeing designed the final X-20 vehicle using a "passively-cooled" structure made of exotic high-temperature alloys (like René 41) to survive the heat of reentry.

• The Martin Company was chosen to design and build the Titan III booster intended to launch the craft into orbit.

Although construction had begun, the program was ultimately cancelled in December 1963 by Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara before the first flight took place.

Note:  The X-20 Glider could potentially glide recover.  If you print it with only 1 perimeter wall it is quite light.  The 'backbone" BT-20 is used to allow you to adjust the CG and the optional flaps give you the ability to adjust the trim.  The Transition has an opening for a small e.charge that could be used to detatch the glider at apogee. 

NOTE: the nozzle retainers have not been test flown yet, they MAY melt a little in the nozzle cone. 

One of the concept illustrations shows a large classic shaped fin,  I originally built these fins but never really 'completed' the design as I decided I like the Saturn 1b style better.  Anyway, I may come back to this later but if you're in the mood to explore and like this look, the parts are included.   NOTE: so far I've not decided to do the diamond shaped fins as an option. 

I tweaked the design of the clips for the motor can, this should enhance the strength of the clips to the motor cans.

I've included a replacement motor can  for the Estes Gemini with the intent of upgrading it to a single (or maybe dual) 24mm motor.

The locking motor mount has the clips rotated 25 degrees so that the fins and nozzles will not interfere with the launch rod that has been installed per Estes's instructions.