This is the actual model built by NASA Engineer John W. Kiker that was used to convince
the NASA skeptics that the Shuttle could be ferried on top of a 747.
This idea, John's entirely, saved the manned space program over $40,000,000 and endless
delay over the methods under consideration at the time.
This model also showed that the Shuttle could safely lift off from the 747
without removing the 747s vertical stabilizer which the critics were so sure would happen.
This allowed the approach and landing test or ALT's at Edward's AFB in California.
John earned the Presidential Management Award from President Jimmy Carter for this concept.
John gave this model to the Smithsonian Aerospace Museum, and is now
on loan to the National Model Aviation Museum in Indiana.
John is the grandfather of my son Jeff's wife, Marianne.
John passed away May 6th, 2005, he was a dear friend.