A Rans S-12 remotely piloted "mothership" takes off from a lakebed runway carrying a Spacewedge research model during 1992 flight tests. The Spacewedge was lauched in flight from the Rans S-12 aircraft and then glided back to a landing under a steerable parafoil. Technology tested in the Spacewedge program was used in developing the X-38 research vehicle.

Apex high-altitude research sailplane mock-up

Apex wing section undergoing loading test.

Apex wing section undergoing loading test preparation by Mark Nunnelee and Eliseo Sanchez

Computer generated image of Apex high-altitude research sailplane in flight