First 6-Sec. Lunar Lander On Wheels

FIRST 6-SEC. LUNAR LANDER ON WHEELS

John Dixon of Wallace, N.C. blasted his two-wheeled, rocket-powered device down the Fayetteville, N.C. dragstrip in 6.996 sec., shutting off power after 1000 ft. and coasting through the timing lights at 161 mph. The run was timed by officials of the AMA-affiliated Dragbike organization as a stunt for a TV show, although the press release announcing the run and claiming it as a world record makes no mention of a back-up run, normally required for setting records.

Dixon’s device is powered by a pair of hydrogen-peroxide-burning rockets like those used in the lunar lander, without a drive wheel.

Officials of the IDBA and NMRA organizations denied reports that they intended to run a Lunar Lander and Assorted Space Invaders class at drag meets in 1982.

However, one magazine editor said “If I can just get the thing onto a video screen, I’m sure I can blast it with my laser cannon.”