Researchers will test the craft's navigation and control system by carrying it to a release altitude of 9,000 feet beneath an Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter. The X-40A's on-board system will then take over and guide the vehicle to a runway landing.

Also called the Space Maneuver Vehicle (SMV), the X-40A, if fully developed could be the second stage of a two-stage-to-orbit-system, deploying from a variety of platforms including expendable launch vehicles like the Delta, or future reusable launch vehicles. The X-40A could perform various missions including satellite deployments, surveillance, and logistics missions like inspections and possibly rescue of failed satellites.

"SMVs can be used again and again with a variety of payloads tailored to specific mission requirements," explained Maj. Ken Verderame, the AFRL's SMV deputy program manager.

Boeing designed and built the first-generation SMV flight test vehicle at its Seal Beach, Calif., facility. Since delivery of the vehicle to Holloman AFB, N.M., Boeing SMV project personnel have supported flight test readiness activities.

John Fuller, Boeing SMV project manager in Seal Beach, said, "Our work with the Air Force on final integration and ground testing is nearly completed in preparation for the flight test phase, which will begin in a few weeks."