AX-21 Tempest

Inspired by the North American X-15

The AX-21 Tempest is a high-speed experimental vehicle developed within the Atlas Space Program as a testbed for suborbital flight and hypersonic technologies.
Designed as a compact and efficient rocketplane, the Tempest can operate from both runways and via air-launch from the AC-01 Carrier Aircraft. The vehicle was conceived to explore aggressive climb profiles, high-altitude flights, and suborbital ballistic trajectories, allowing for the testing of aerodynamic configurations and systems that will later be used in more advanced vehicles of the program.
Thanks to its high thrust-to-weight ratio and its aerodynamic design optimized for supersonic and hypersonic speeds, the Tempest can reach altitudes close to the atmospheric limit and cover great distances in short-duration flights.
The aircraft also incorporates reusable external fuel tanks to extend thrust time during longer-range missions.
The AX-21 represents a key stage in the development of the Atlas program, serving as a testbed for new high-energy flight technologies and helping to bridge the gap between experimental aircraft and reusable spacecraft.

Specifications

• Type: Experimental rocket plane
• Mass: 16.8 t (loaded)
• Length: 15.4 m
• Wingspan: 6.56 m
• Height: 3.92 m
• Parts: 62
• Operation: Runway takeoff or launch from AC-01

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