Astronaut XRG-1 Reentry Glider

XRG-1 Reentry Glider - Riveted Version

MMM XRG-1 Reentry Glider - What is it?

The XRG-1 Reentry Glider was and still is, one of the most unique and innovative toys from the 60's. Other toy companies at the time had released real-flying toys, but most that held figures were small, nondescript things resembling traditional airplanes. Mattel took this to the next level, by creating a true glider, apparently modeled after the X-RV Lifting Body, that could hold a figure while retaining its unique appearance. This required first some engineering skills (Mattel took great advantage of real engineers in its R&D department), light-weight materials, and a knowledge of aerodynamics.

Due to the lightweight plastic material of the XRG-1, the actual front canopy-encased figure would act as the nose weight. This would force a front, downward pull across the wings adding lift. The dual tail added stability, and with adjustable flaps (you could slightly bend them up or down), the glider could be made to pull sweeps and do mild tricks. All with the figure safely inside for hours of imaginative play! The only down-side was the unexpected wind that could carry the glider to undesirable locations. These are often found with missing canopies, or canopies with damaged and scratched noses.

At some point, Mattel went from a slip-on canopy to a riveted one, probably to prevent the canopy from falling open at impact and spilling the fragile astronaut. Intact riveted XRG-1 gliders are the most difficult to find. The additional strain of the rivet often caused the canopy to break apart during heat expansion, either around the rivet or the retaining tabs towards the back.

XRG-1 Reentry Glider - Riveted Version

XRG-1 Reentry Glider - Side View

XRG-1 Reentry Glider - Rivet Detail

XRG-1 Reentry Glider - Riveted Version - Top

XRG-1 Reentry Glider - Riveted Version - Front

XRG-1 Reentry Glider - Adjustable Flaps

XRG-1 Reentry Glider - Riveted Version - Bottom

XRG-1 Reentry Glider - Riveted Version - Rear

Sticker Sheet:

Instructions:

Mattel #6360-0920 XRG-1 Re-entry Glider
Mattel #6360-0920 XRG-1 Re-entry Glider Back
Mattel #6360 Card Back Detail

Maladies:

• Missing canopy
• Melts in the canopy (happens when a figure is left in the cockpit
• Scratches or tears in the glider body
• Riveted canopy tears around rivet or tabs (seems the canopy didn't flex as much as the glider body and would tear out of the tab-grooves if left inserted over time)

Variations:

• Slip-on canopy
• Riveted canopy (much rarer later "updated" version)

John's Notes:

This is one of the most fun MMM accessories to actually play with out of doors. It actually flies quite far, especially if the thrower is up a slight hill. Bending the wing flaps really do cause the flight path to change. Loads of fun here!  There are several videos of the XRG-1 in flight. You should check out Pat LeBlanc's X-RV Lifting Body custom and the various flying customs he's made over time.

Accessory may also be found in:

• 6360 XRG-1 Reentry Glider
• 6361 XRG-1 Reentry Glider with Major Matt Mason
• 6378 Talking Flying Matt Mason 

All Mattel images and captions are copyright Mattel and used without permission. All other content, including images and editorial, is Copyright © 1997-2023 John Eaton and/or contributors unless otherwise stated. If there are any comments or objections, please contact John Eaton.