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Aviation Art Free Enterprise Machat Shuttle 747

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:35.00 USD Estimated At:100.00 - 200.00 USD
Aviation Art Free Enterprise Machat Shuttle 747
In probably the most critical test of the as yet untried Space Shuttle, the orbiter "Enterprise" is released from its highly modified 747 carrier aircraft for its approach and landing test in actual flight configuration. Without the streamlined tailcone used on previous test flights there would be increased buffeting on the 747 shuttle carrier and the descent profile fo the orbiter would be much steeper. At 20,300 feet shuuttle pilot Joe Engle released the orbiter from the carrier and NASA 747 pilot Fitz Fulton banked the Jumbo steeply away from the orbiter. Previous tests with the tailcone installed had required 5 1/2 minuts for the orbitor to reach their Edwards runway but today that descent took only 2 minutes and 34 seconds. This is an L/E of 850 prints and is personally signed by artist and autographed by Shuttle pilot Major General Joe H. Engle and Shuttle Carrier Command pilot Fitzhugh L. "Fitz" Fulton. It has never been mounted and is in perfect condition. It comes with an extensive COA that is suitable for framing and has and image size of 21 1/2" x 26 1/2".