USAF F-100D Super Sabre using a zero-length-launch system (mid 50s)

The zero-length launch system or zero-length take-off system (ZLL, ZLTO, ZEL, ZELL) was a method whereby jet fighters and attack aircraft could be near-vertically launched using rocket motors to rapidly gain speed and altitude.
Testing proved that the F-100 was capable of a ZELL launch even while carrying both an external fuel tank and a single nuclear weapon mounted on its hard points.
Despite the extremely high thrust generated by the rocket motor, the F-100 reportedly subjected its pilot to a maximum of 4g of acceleration forces during the takeoff phase of flight, reaching a speed of roughly 300 mph prior to the rocket motor's depletion.
Despite some difficulties, the F-100's ZELL system was considered to be feasible, but the idea of its deployment had become less attractive as time went on.
en.wikipedia.o...

[@lawrenceharrison3655]

Beautiful clip. Robert Goddard played a large part in the Creation of this type of rocket motor.

[@b0BSh4nk3r]

awesome

[@barlosxantana]

Anybody know where this was filmed by chance?

[@danielmorgan1104]

If I were to hazard a guess either White Sands NM or one of the numerous Desert Bases in California. My $$ would be on White Sands, NM since that was also a Missiles systems testing base for many years.

[@barlosxantana]

@@danielmorgan1104 thanks for your reply. My coworker thought it might be NM as well. Thanks for the reply

[@rowanyuh6326]

Maybe china lake

[@roberttitus2688]

Nope. I@@rowanyuh6326

[@HeartlandPatriotWarrior]

Indian Springs, Nevada 1958. That’s my father! B/G Robert F Titus, USAF Ret.

[@LK-pc4sq]

Before the invention of Jeto Jets

[@kevinh5218]

No, if you mean JATO or RATO rockets they were a take off assist to either shorten the run or enable take off with a heavier payload. The zero length program was to launch fighters without the need for any runway.

[@RyeOnHam]

That's a big NOPE!