Lenticular Reentry Vehicle

The Lenticular Reentry Vehicle (LRV), according to a November 2000 Popular Mechanics cover story,[1] was an experimental nuclear warhead delivery system under development during the Cold War by defense contractor North American Aviation, managed out of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio.

[2] Its declassified technical report had been compiled by R. J. Oberto, Los Angeles Division of North American Aviation.

[3] Its purpose was to determine the feasibility of developing a missile-defense system based on flying discs (lenticular vehicles).

Although Pye Wacket was terminated by 1961, research had shown lenticular-shaped vehicles possessed sound re-entry characteristics.

[7] As of the publication of the Popular Mechanics article, there was no official confirmation as to whether the Lenticular Reentry Vehicle ever flew.