Space Shuttle Enterprise with Boeing 747 Diecast Model Aircraft by Dragon Models

1:400 Scale diecast model space shuttle and B-747
747 Size: Width: 6", Length: 7",
Shuttle Size: Width: 2.25", Length: 3.757",<
Some plastic components.
Loose Parts: (not suitable for young children)
Minor assemby required.

NASA, "Enterprise", First Free Flight August 12th, 1977.

The Space Shuttle Enterprise (OV-101) was the first Space Shuttle orbiter commissioned in 1976. It was a significant craft built for NASA used purely for atmospheric test flights and it never flew in space, but it was crucial to the Space Shuttle program. Enterprise was originally to be named Constitution. United States of America's President Gerald Ford requested that NASA change the name of it from Constitution to Enterprise in honor of original series - Star Trek mounted its effort to have the first Space Shuttle. This release includes a highly detailed "Enterprise OV-101" Orbiter model paired with a NASA Boeing 747 transport plane. The orbiter can be "piggybacked" on top of the 747, just like the real thing! This model also includes a stand for in-flight display.

Enterprise was used by NASA for a variety of ground and flight tests intended to validate aspects of the shuttle program. The initial nine-month testing period was referred to by the acronym ALT, for "Approach and Landing Test". The final phase of flight testing involved the free-flights. This would see Enterprise mated to the SCA and carried to a launch height before being jettisoned by the use of explosive bolts to glide to a landing on the runways at Edwards. The intention of these flights was to test the flight characteristics of the orbiter itself, on a typical approach and landing profile from orbit. There were a total of five free-flights between August and October; the first three saw Enterprise remain fitted with its aerodynamic tail cone, intended to reduce drag when mounted on the SCA during flight. The final two had the tail cone removed, with the orbiter in its full up operational configuration, with dummy main engines and OMS pods. These five flights were to be the only time Enterprise flew alone.