Longer, Higher, Faster

XCOR Aerospace began the 2002 EZ-Rocket test program at Mojave (CA) on Wednesday, with a test flight covered live on CNN. The EZ-Rocket was piloted by world famous test pilot, Dick Rutan, LTC, USAF, Ret. The 8 minute, 35 second flight took place in ideal weather.

Test Pilot Dick Rutan said, "With each flight, I get more comfortable with the vehicle. Now I'm not just focused on hanging on and keeping it pointed up. I'm also able to look at the various pressure gauges and see how the vehicle reacts." The flight achieved 8,500 feet with both rocket engines operating for a little over 2 minutes 22 seconds. Mike Melville from Mojave piloted the chase plane. Also in the chase plane was CNN's Miles O'Brien, a licensed pilot, who provided commentary and interviews for the flight.

XCOR CEO and President Jeff Greason stated, "One accomplishment today was to improve the way propellant is drained from the tanks. As a result, we increased the length of time the engines can run with the same tanks. The next big step is to raise the money and contracts necessary to develop a larger vehicle capable of carrying a pilot and passengers to the edge of space. It's a significant business opportunity, because a reusable vehicle is a fraction of the cost of current providers. We have reason to believe it will also be safer and more reliable than current vehicles and sounding rockets." XCOR will conduct its second public demonstration of the EZ Rocket at Noon on Tuesday, January 22 at the Mojave Civilian Test Flight Center located at the Mojave airport, weather permitting.

During the test run, the former Long-EZ burned up about $900 worth of isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) and liquid oxygen.

A CNN interview, conducted just after the flight by chase-plane passenger Miles O'Brien, revealed the "previously unseen side" of Lt Col. Rutan's personality:

O'BRIEN: How would you describe the acceleration for someone who hasn't had that kick? 

RUTAN: Well, it's pretty nice. It's considerably more than what we have normally. And we are flying in the speed ranges that are way up in the yellow arc, instead of down in the green arc, speed wise for the airplane, and then it climbs pretty rapidly. It's quite a thrill for a little plane like this.

O'BRIEN: The trip back down is a deadstick, powerless landing. How did that go?

RUTAN: Worked pretty good. We were a little concerned that the wind turned around on us, but the superior skill and cunning of this here pilot overcame it all.

O'BRIEN: He's a humble man, that Dick Rutan.

FMI: www.xcor.com