"Pumpkin seed" from radar cross-section test rig.

Palmdale, California (CA), US

Never before has it been more true that you can learn a lot about somebody by their garbage, than within the discard piles at Lockheed Martin's Skunk Works. Chances are, the entire history and future of aviation can be found in these piles.

"Pumpkin seed" from radar cross-section test rig.

Palmdale, California (CA), US

Covert, Airplanes - Boneyard and Parts
By: Pdunn

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Comments

Anonymous

@ 2007-01-12 10:11:34

That looks like the "pumpkin seed" from a radar cross-section test rig.

Pdunn

@ 2007-01-12 15:48:07

Thanks for the ID!

According to the link below, the "pumpkin seed" is placed on the end of a telescoping pylon within radar cross section test chamber and is designed to be "so stealthy, that only the very tip of the pylon ends up being a significant source of signal return."

Here is a link that describes the "pumpkin seed" in full detail:
http://www.serve.com/mahood/RCS/helendal.htm

Pdunn

@ 2007-01-12 15:49:40

Here is a great closeup of the "pumpkin seed:"
http://www.serve.com/mahood/RCS/hd-polec.jpg

Pdunn

@ 2007-01-12 15:52:50

Another great photo:
http://www.serve.com/mahood/RCS/hd-mpyln.jpg