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Author
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Topic: Radioplane Gemini paradynamics lucite
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Guy DuMont
Member Posts: 352
From: Aurora IL USA
Registered: Feb 2004
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posted 04-07-2021 04:58 PM
   
Seeking info on this lucite.This is a Gemini-shaped lucite capsule made by Radioplane, a division of Northrop. I believe it was an advertising promotion for its proposed Gemini capsule landing system. Also on the lucite is "Paradynamics Space Landing Systems." Is this pre-Gemini? So this was a different landing system than Mercury? Was this given to NASA personnel? And I really can't find much info on the Paradynamics Space Landing System. Was this system used in the Gemini program? Thanks for any help on this.  
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J.L
Member Posts: 696
From: Bloomington, Illinois, USA
Registered: May 2005
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posted 04-07-2021 05:18 PM
I have one as well. I always assumed it was Mercury related. |
Ianhetho
Member Posts: 342
From: Bogangar NSW Australia
Registered: May 2018
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posted 04-23-2026 02:08 AM
I just received this Paradynamics lucite to add to my collection. Were there any other samples made or is this the only one? I have looked online and there appeaser to be another, but it may well be the same one taken from a different angle with the lucite distorting the image. Thoughts?  Editor's note: Threads merged. |
Headshot
Member Posts: 1475
From: Vancouver, WA, USA
Registered: Feb 2012
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posted 04-23-2026 02:33 PM
This is a compilation from several Wiki sources.The Radioplane Company was an American aviation company that produced drone aircraft primarily for use as gunnery targets. The company was purchased by Northrop in 1952, becoming the Radioplane Division of Northrop. The factory later moved to a Northrop plant at Newbury Park, CA, and the name was changed to the Ventura Division, Northrop Corporation. One of the last projects carried out at the original Radioplane factory in Van Nuys, California, was the construction of the Gemini Paraglider. |
Headshot
Member Posts: 1475
From: Vancouver, WA, USA
Registered: Feb 2012
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posted 04-23-2026 03:17 PM
As a follow-up, the 18 Dec 1961 issue of AWST has an article, Manned Space Flight Program Expanded, that contains the following paragraph: "If the Rogallo-type wing now under study can be translated into hardware, [George M.] Low said, the two-man capsule will use it. The steerable device is also called flexwing and parawing, and North American Aviation has a Phase 2 study contract for this recovery system. NASA is also funding Radioplane Div. studies of its glide-sail concept, in which a flap is used to guide a parachute in recovery." Apparently this concept did not pan out as NASA chose the Rogallo wing landing system by early April 1962. |
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