HT Scott Lowther for a remarkable set of films from ~1959, a time of wild ideas.
The US Navy used an F4D jet fighter to launch a 5(!)-stage rocket intended to put a tiny payload into orbit: #NOTSNIK.
More:
satellite-killer derivatives 26:19
a soft-lander experiment 30:05
a nutation damper 37:38
What an ambitious time! NOTS put together an orbital launcher from bits & pieces of rockets available at China Lake.
The compilers have added good text explaining things. Rocketry nerds and Cold War buffs will enjoy these films the most. But skim though and see if any of this interests you.
