Editing Lockheed X-7 (section)

==Launch and recovery==
[[File:X-7a-3_Recovery.jpg|thumb|Lockheed X-7 buried nose down in the desert]]
The X-7 was launched at speed release from the underside of either a B-29 or B-50 carrier plane.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.boeing.com/history/products/b-29-superfortress.page|title=Boeing: Historical Snapshot: B-29 Superfortress|website=www.boeing.com|access-date=2017-04-10}}</ref> The jet would then take over and build up speed to its top speed of {{convert|1000|mph|disp=flip|abbr=on}}, but was later redesigned to push {{convert|4.3|Mach|altitude_ft=100000}}.<ref name=":13" />

The recovery method of the X-7 rocket plane was a new and simple design for a test plane of its kind but functioned as designed. A multi-stage parachute was deployed after the jet had exhausted its fuel, slowing its descent.<ref name=":06" />  Once it had reached the ground, the long metal rod on the end of the nose penetrated the ground, keeping the plane upright and preventing damage to the structure of the X-7. 

In 1954, the modified X-7 underwent significant changes and was renamed the X-7A-3.<ref name=":13" />  The wing shape was altered, and two small boosters were added to the plane, one under each wing. Due to these alterations, the drop method previously used was changed. The previous version was a complicated, bulky under-wing system, while the new design allowed for a simple fuselage-mounted dropping system. This system was used until its final flight in July 1960.<ref name=":13" />