PHOTO 48 -- Flight PT-1 : January 13, 1973
 | The PT series of flights, which followed the eighth and last of the "B" series, was solely for testing a redesigned parachute ejection system. This system was based on a piston-cylinder device mounted within the nosecone, which, after refinements to the design, proved to be a successful method of parachute deployment used in all subsequent flights. This series of flights also experimented with the concept of an "air-speed" switch for triggering parachute ejection as the rocket slowed near the peak. Flights PT-1 through PT-3 were powered by the newly developed A-100 motor, boosting the rockets to altitudes in the neighbourhood of 500-600 feet (150-180 metres). Flight PT-4 saw the flight debut of the B-200 motor, which was used on most subsequent flights. Flight PT-2 became the first flight to be successfully recovered by parachute. |