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Black Arrow R4 launch vehicle, 1971.

Black Arrow R4 launch vehicle, 1971.

1971

Black Arrow R4 launch vehicle, 1971

Black Arrow R4 launch vehicle, 1971

1971

Black Arrow first stage and inter-stage section, 1971

Black Arrow first stage and inter-stage section, 1971

1971

Black Arrow second stage, 1971

Black Arrow second stage, 1971

1971

Black Arrow rocket third stage booster, code named 'Waxwing', 1971. The Waxwing rocket motor, named after the bird of the same name, was the first of its kind in British rocketry. its near-spherical form enabled the smallest amount of steel casing to be used for a given amount of solid propellant. Its nozzle was also gently arced in a near 'Rau' design, not previously used in Britain, to improve its performance.

Black Arrow third stage booster, 1971

1971

Black Arrow payload fairing without nose cap (2 of 2), 1971. This is the second of two payload fairing 'doors' which housed the payload within. These doors would separate at the correct moment in space to allow for the payload to be put into Earth's orbit.

Black Arrow payload fairing (2 of 2), 1971

1971

Black Arrow payload fairing with silver nose cap (1 of 2), 1971. This is one of two payload fairing 'doors' which housed the payload within. These doors would separate at the correct moment in space to allow for the payload to be put into Earth's orbit.

Black Arrow payload fairing (1 of 2), 1971

1971

Lower Handling Adaptor (or base) and satellite turntable, unpainted, for Black Arrow rocket third stage booster, code named 'Waxwing'. This connected Black Arrow's third stage to its second stage.

Black Arrow third stage handling adaptor, 1971

1971

Black Arrow handling adaptor cone for satellite, 1971.

Black Arrow handling adaptor cone for satellite, 1971

1971