Bell YP-39 Airacobra, NASA history collection
Bell YP-39 Airacobra: This YP-39 Airacobra was one of several service-test models of the Bell fighter ordered before major production contracts were given. It arrived at Langley in February 1941 and flew with t... More
B-24 AIRPLANE SHOWING W24-C ENGINE AND RADAR DOME NOSE INSTALLATIONS
B-24 AIRPLANE SHOWING W24-C ENGINE AND RADAR DOME NOSE INSTALLATIONS NASA Identifier: C-1948-21999
B-26 AIRPLANE, NASA history collection
B-26 AIRPLANE NASA Identifier: C-1943-2280 Public domain photograph of NASA experimental aircraft, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
XB-25-E B-25 AIRPLANE SHOWING ANTI-ICE INSTALLATIONS
XB-25-E B-25 AIRPLANE SHOWING ANTI-ICE INSTALLATIONS NASA Identifier: C-1947-19356
COPIES OF AIRCRAFT IN FLIGHT. Public domain image, NASA.
COPIES OF AIRCRAFT IN FLIGHT NASA Identifier: C-1944-7652 Public domain photograph of NASA experimental aircraft, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
An emergency first responder helicopter lands at Camp
An emergency first responder helicopter lands at Camp Mabry during the 10th annual Texas Military Department's Open House featuring the American Heroe’s Air Show, at Camp Mabry, in Austin, Texas, Saturday, Apri... More
B-26 AIRPLANE, NASA history collection
B-26 AIRPLANE NASA Identifier: C-1943-2277 Public domain photograph of NASA experimental aircraft, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
T-33A Shooting Star at the Air Mobility Command Museum
The T-33A Shooting Star rests in front of the Air Mobility Command Museum July 12, 2019, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. The museum is open to the public Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and closed on... More
VISIT OF MEMPHIS BELLE BOMBER. Public domain image, NASA.
VISIT OF MEMPHIS BELLE BOMBER NASA Identifier: C-1943-1870 Public domain photograph of NASA experimental aircraft, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
Coast Guard Aircraft, Past and Present by Joseph Whitaker
(l-r, t-b) Loening OL-5 "Amphibious Biplane," 1926-35; experimental Curtis Flying Boat; Consolidated N4Y-1 "Biplane Trainer," 1932-45; Lockheed HC-130 "Hercules," 1959-present; Vultee SNV-1 "Valiant 54," 1940-4... More
An airshow was held at Dover Air Force Base, Del.,
An airshow was held at Dover Air Force Base, Del., June 19, 2009. The Thunderbirds performed and many visitors viewed static displays.
Refueling lifeline of US, NATO air ops
A 100th Air Refueling Wing KC-135 Stratotanker prepares to offload fuel to Royal Danish Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons, which are flying in formation behind the tanker. The 100th ARW arrived at Royal Air Force... More
Sideboys render a salute as Lt. Cmdr. Alan Cameron
Sideboys render a salute as Lt. Cmdr. Alan Cameron and Religious Program Specialist 3rd Class Chester Harden carry the ashes of John A. Williams, a World War II veteran, as part of an aerial burial at sea. The ... More
World War II era planes fly over Washington, D.C.,
World War II era planes fly over Washington, D.C., on the anniversary of Victory in Europe Day, viewed from Arlington House in Arlington National Cemetery, May 8, 2015, in Arlington, Va. The WWII aircraft are a... More
P-59B AIRPLANE, NASA history collection
P-59B AIRPLANE NASA Identifier: C-1947-18108 Public domain photograph of NASA experimental aircraft, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
75th Commemoration Event of the Attack on Pearl Harbor
161207-N-WC566-259 PEARL HARBOR (Dec. 7, 2016) A vintage 1940’s Globe Swift aircraft flies over the USS Arizona Memorial during the 75th Commemoration Event of the attacks on Pearl Harbor and Oahu at Joint Base... More
General Motors FM-2 Wildcat (Grumman F4F)
General Motors FM-2 Wildcat (Grumman F4F): Built by the Eastern Aircraft Division of General Motors, the Grumman F4F Wildcat became the General Motors FM-2 Wildcat. Of the 7,825 built, 5,837 were manufactured b... More
B-26 AIRPLANE, NASA history collection
B-26 AIRPLANE NASA Identifier: C-1943-2283 Public domain photograph of NASA experimental aircraft, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
B-29 AIRPLANE, NASA history collection
B-29 AIRPLANE NASA Identifier: C-1944-5883 Public domain photograph of NASA experimental aircraft, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
COPIES OF AIRCRAFT IN FLIGHT. Public domain image, NASA.
COPIES OF AIRCRAFT IN FLIGHT NASA Identifier: C-1944-7649 Public domain photograph of NASA experimental aircraft, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
P-47 AIRPLANE, NASA history collection
P-47 AIRPLANE NASA Identifier: C-1944-3480 Public domain photograph of NASA experimental aircraft, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
NASA B-29 VIEWS - Glenn Research Center History
B-29 VIEWS NASA Identifier: C-1944-5493 Public domain photograph of NASA experimental aircraft, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
BOMBER AIRPLANE NAMING DEDICATION, NASA history collection
BOMBER AIRPLANE NAMING DEDICATION NASA Identifier: C-1944-4131 Public domain photograph of NASA experimental aircraft, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
TRAILING AIRSPEED WEATHER BOMB AIRPLANE
TRAILING AIRSPEED WEATHER BOMB AIRPLANE NASA Identifier: C-1945-11915 Public domain photograph of NASA experimental aircraft, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
P-63 AIRPLANE, NASA history collection
P-63 AIRPLANE NASA Identifier: C-1945-9650 Public domain photograph of NASA experimental aircraft, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
C-97 AIRPLANE PHOTOGRAPHED ON NACA HANGAR APRON DURING THE NATIONAL AI...
C-97 AIRPLANE PHOTOGRAPHED ON NACA HANGAR APRON DURING THE NATIONAL AIR RACES IN CLEVELAND OHIO NASA Identifier: C-1946-15797
North American P-51B Mustang. Public domain image of NASA aircraft.
North American P-51B Mustang: In 1946, Langley equipped this P-51B Mustang with wing gloves for an investigation of low-drag performance in flight. NASA Identifier: L46464
Grumman F6F-3 Hellcat, NASA history collection
Grumman F6F-3 Hellcat: Another of the Grumman "Cat" fighters, this is a Hellcat. This F6F-3 example arrived at Langley from Floyd Bennett Field in New York for the NACA early in 1943. After performing test work... More
1946, NASA history collection, Glenn Research Center
ARMY P-80 AIRPLANE PHOTOGRAPHED DURING THE NATIONAL AIR RACES NASA Identifier: C-1946-15741
North American P-51B Mustang. Public domain image of NASA aircraft.
North American P-51B Mustang: In 1946, Langley equipped this P-51B Mustang with wing gloves for an investigation of low-drag performance in flight. NASA Identifier: L44929
B-25 AIRPLANE FLIGHT TEST SHOWING DE-ICING EQUIPMENT AND RESEARCH INST...
B-25 AIRPLANE FLIGHT TEST SHOWING DE-ICING EQUIPMENT AND RESEARCH INSTALLATIONS NASA Identifier: C-1947-17764
Curtiss XP-42, NASA history collection
Curtiss XP-42: This highly modified Curtiss P-36A became the XP-42 when it was re-engined and took part in drag-reduction and all-moving tail research with the NACA at Langley. The last flight of this aircraft ... More
FLIGHT TEST OF F-82 AIRPLANE WITH RAM JET MISSILE
FLIGHT TEST OF F-82 AIRPLANE WITH RAM JET MISSILE NASA Identifier: C-1948-22249
B-29 AIRPLANE FLIGHT TEST WITH TG-180 ENGINE RUNNING
B-29 AIRPLANE FLIGHT TEST WITH TG-180 ENGINE RUNNING NASA Identifier: C-1948-21990
24-C COMPRESSOR ENGINE INSTALLED ON B-24 AIRPLANE
24-C COMPRESSOR ENGINE INSTALLED ON B-24 AIRPLANE NASA Identifier: C-1948-20866
F-51 (P-51) Mustang aircraft at the North Dakota Air
F-51 (P-51) Mustang aircraft at the North Dakota Air National Guard, Hector Field, Fargo, North Dakota, May 2, 1948.
RAM JET AND MOUNT AND P-82 AIRPLANE
RAM JET AND MOUNT AND P-82 AIRPLANE NASA Identifier: C-1948-20869
F-82 AIRPLANE ACCIDENT ON HANGAR APRON
F-82 AIRPLANE ACCIDENT ON HANGAR APRON NASA Identifier: C-1949-24896
F-82 AIRPLANE ACCIDENT ON HANGAR APRON
F-82 AIRPLANE ACCIDENT ON HANGAR APRON NASA Identifier: C-1949-24899
F-82 AIRPLANE ACCIDENT ON HANGAR APRON
F-82 AIRPLANE ACCIDENT ON HANGAR APRON NASA Identifier: C-1949-24900
C-46 Commando - A black and white photo of a military plane
914th Air Refueling Wing Aircraft Lineage. C-46 Commando 1949 - 1951, 1952 - 1958.
D-558-1 Skystreak, NASA history collection
E49-090 This 1949 NACA Muroc Flight Test Unit photograph of the Douglas D-558-1 #3 Skystreak was taken in front of the NACA hangar at South Base, Edwards Air Force. NACA had the color of the Skystreaks changed ... More
Douglas D-558-1 Skystreak landing on lakebed
The Douglas D-558-1 Skystreak is seen close-up in this 1949 photograph. The D-558-1 made its landing approach at about 210 knots and landed at 143 knots. Despite the (then) high landing speed, the pilots found ... More
Douglas D-558-1 Skystreak landing on lakebed
The Douglas D-558-1 Skystreak is seen close-up in this 1949 photograph. The D-558-1 made its landing approach at about 210 knots and landed at 143 knots. Despite the (then) high landing speed, the pilots found ... More
D-558-2 on ramp. Public domain image of NASA aircraft.
This 1949 NACA Muroc Flight Test Unit photograph shows the Douglas D-558-2 #1 at the South Base, Edwards Air Force Base. The aircraft was turned over to the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics on 31 Aug... More
X-15 Mated to B-52 Captive Flight
One of three X-15 rocket-powered research aircraft being carried aloft under the wing of its B-52 mothership. The X-15 was air launched from the B-52 so the rocket plane would have enough fuel to reach its high... More
X-4 in Flight, NASA history collection
The NACA High-Speed Flight Research Station X-4 research aircraft is seen in this 1950s in-flight close-up photograph. The two large "X"s seen connected by a line painted on the aircraft were used as an aid in ... More
McDonnell F2H-1 Banshee, NASA history collection
McDonnell F2H-1 Banshee: The McDonnell F2H-1 Banshee probably would have had a longer NACA Langley career. However, it was written off in a landing accident on July 12, 1951. NASA Identifier: L69645
Dryden B-52 Launch Aircraft on Dryden Ramp
NASA's venerable B-52 mothership sits on the ramp in front of the Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards, California. Over the course of more than 40 years, the B-52 launched numerous experimental aircraft, ran... More
X-1A on lakebed, NASA history collection
The Bell Aircraft Corporation X-1A (48-1384) is photographed in 1955 sitting on the Rogers Dry Lakebed at Edwards, California. This view of the right side of the aircraft shows a middle section that contrasts q... More
NASA Aircraft Fleet 1950s, Dryden history gallery
ET61-0145NASA Research Aircraft - D-558-II, D-558-I, X-5, X-1, XF-92A, X-430 March 1952 NASA Photo / NASA 1950s Fleet Description NASA Identifier: 370444main_ET61-0145
NASA D-558-2 Skyrocket, Dryden history gallery
E-2478 The D-558-2 is launched from the Navy P2B-1S (Navy designation for the B-29) in this 1950s photograph. The early Douglas and NACA flights of the D-558-2s used only the airplane's jet engine and took off ... More
NASA B-29 Mothership Aircraft, Dryden history gallery
E58-03663A B-29 #800 with X-1B attached taxi's in off of the lakebed. April 9, 1958 NASA Photo / NACA B-29 Project Description NASA Identifier: 302543main_E58-03663A
F-104 in flight over lakebed. Public domain image of NASA aircraft.
An F-104 in a turn over Rogers Dry Lake. The landing gear and the wing leading and trailing edges flaps have been lowered. An experimental fixture is mounted under the fuselage. The F-104's high "T" tail was a ... More
X-38 - First Flight, NASA history collection
Reminiscent of the lifting body research flights conducted more than 30 years earlier, NASA's B-52 mothership lifts off carrying a new generation of lifting body research vehicle--the X-38. The X-38 was designe... More
X-15 Studies at Langley, 1958. Public domain image of NASA aircraft.
Attitude control simulator for X-15 studies at Langley, 1958. Photograph published in Engineer in Charge: A History of the Langley Aeronautical Laboratory, 1917-1958 by James R. Hansen (page 367). NASA Identifi... More
SCENES FROM AIRPLANE CRASH FIRE TESTS USED IN TALKS AT STAFF CONFERENC...
SCENES FROM AIRPLANE CRASH FIRE TESTS USED IN TALKS AT STAFF CONFERENCE - S-5 AND S-3 NASA Identifier: C-1955-38198
NASA Aircraft Fleet 1950s, Dryden history gallery
E-2952 This NACA High-Speed Flight Station photograph of the Century Series fighters in formation flight was taken in 1957. The F-100 lower center had originally been built as a day fighter. The later versions ... More
X-1E Loaded in B-29 Mothership on Ramp
The Bell Aircraft Corporation X-1E loaded into the Boeing B-29 in NACA High Speed Flight Station service area. The B-29 would carry the X-1E to an altitude of approximately 25,000 feet. If all systems were `go'... More
X-15 AIRCRAFT MATED TO LAUNCH PLANE - FRONT VIEW
X-15 AIRCRAFT MATED TO LAUNCH PLANE - FRONT VIEW NASA Identifier: C-1959-49859
X-4 in Flight, NASA history collection
The NACA High-Speed Flight Research Station X-4 research aircraft is seen in this 1950s in-flight photograph. The X-4 Bantam, a single-place, low swept-wing, semi-tailless aircraft, was designed and built by No... More
X-15 2 on lakebed after a hard landing by pilot Scott Crossfield
A series of ground and in-flight accidents occurred during the X-15's contractor program, fortunately without injuries or even greatly delaying the program. On 5 November 1959 a small engine fire -- always extr... More
X-5 on Ramp - Front View, Wings Swept
This NACA High-Speed Flight Research Station photograph of the X-5 was taken at the South Base of Edwards Air Force Base. The photograph, on the ramp in-front of the NACA hangar, shows a frontal view of the X-5... More
NASA Fleet Aircraft, Dryden history gallery
E-1239 A group picture of Douglas Airplanes, taken for a photographic promotion in 1954, at what is now known as the Dryden Flight Research Center at Edwards Air Force Base, California. The photo includes the X... More
X-38 vehicle #131R arrives at NASA Dryden via NASA'S Super Guppy trans...
NASA's Super Guppy transport aircraft landed at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. on July 11, 2000, to deliver the latest version of the X-38 drop vehicle to Dryden. The X-38s are intended as prototypes for a poss... More
NASA D-558-2 Skyrocket, Dryden history gallery
E-1014 This 1953 NACA High-Speed Flight Research Station photograph shows the Douglas D-558-2 #2 Skyrocket (NACA 144), prior to flight, being towed under the P2B-1S (Navy designation for the Air Force B-29) lau... More
M2-F1 in flight, NASA history collection
The M2-F1 Lifting Body is seen here under tow by an unseen C-47 at the NASA Flight Research Center (later redesignated the Dryden Flight Research Center), Edwards, California. The low-cost vehicle was the first... More
F-104 in flight over lakebed. Public domain image of NASA aircraft.
An F-104 in a turn over Rogers Dry Lake. The landing gear and the wing leading and trailing edges flaps have been lowered. An experimental fixture is mounted under the fuselage. The F-104's high "T" tail was a ... More
X-5 on Ramp - Side View. Public domain image of NASA aircraft.
This NACA High-Speed Flight Research Station photograph of the X-5 was taken at the South Base of Edwards Air Force Base. The photograph shows the X-5 on the ramp in-front of the NACA hangar. The Bell, X-5 was ... More
X-15 launch from B-52 mothership
This photo illustrates how the X-15 rocket-powered aircraft was taken aloft under the wing of a B-52. Because of the large fuel consumption, the X-15 was air launched from a B-52 aircraft at 45,000 ft and a spe... More
NASA D-558-2 Skyrocket, Dryden history gallery
E-3996 This 1950s photograph shows the Douglas D-558-2 and the North American F-86 Sabre chase aircraft in-flight. Both aircraft display early examples of sweptwing airfoils. 1950s NASA Photo / NASA photo (copy... More
X-1A on lakebed, NASA history collection
The Bell Aircraft Corporation X-1A (48-1384) is photographed in 1955 sitting on the Rogers Dry Lakebed at Edwards, California. This view of the right side of the aircraft shows a middle section that contrasts q... More
D-558-2 being mounted to P2B-1S launch aircraft
This 1953 NACA High-Speed Flight Research Station photograph shows the Douglas D-558-2 #2 Skyrocket (NACA 144), prior to flight, being towed under the P2B-1S launch vehicle (NACA 137) for attachment. The photog... More
NASA X-5, Dryden history gallery
E-960 In the center foreground of this 1953 hanger photo is the YF-84A NACA 134/Air Force 45-59490 used for vortex generator research. It arrived on November 28, 1949, and departed on April 21, 1954. Beside it ... More
NASA X-4, Dryden history gallery
E-17350The NACA High-Speed Flight Research Station X-4 research aircraft is seen in this 1950s in-flight close-up photograph. The two large ''X''s seen connected by a line painted on the aircraft were used as a... More
Seven Aircraft Experimental Designs, NASA history collection
NACA research was instrumental in the development of the major experimental aircraft designs of the 1940s and 1950s, seven of which are shown here at Edwards Air Force Base in California. Convair, Bell, Douglas... More
This 1950s era Republic RF-84 photo reconnaissance
This 1950s era Republic RF-84 photo reconnaissance aircraft recently went through a significant makeover and received a new coat of paint at the Air National Guard paint facility in Sioux City, Iowa, before bei... More
NASA Aircraft Fleet 1950s, Dryden history gallery
E-1239A group picture of Douglas Airplanes, taken for a photographic promotion in 1954, at what is now known as the Dryden Flight Research Center at Edwards Air Force Base, California. The photo includes the X-... More
X-5 on Ramp - Side View. Public domain image of NASA aircraft.
This NACA High-Speed Flight Research Station photograph of the X-5 was taken at the South Base of Edwards Air Force Base. The photograph shows the X-5 on the ramp in-front of the NACA hangar. The Bell, X-5 was ... More
X-15 launch from B-52 mothership
This photo illustrates how the X-15 rocket-powered aircraft was taken aloft under the wing of a B-52. Because of the large fuel consumption, the X-15 was air launched from a B-52 aircraft at 45,000 ft and a spe... More
X-1E Loaded in B-29 Mothership on Ramp
The Bell Aircraft Corporation X-1E loaded into the Boeing B-29 in NACA High Speed Flight Station service area. The B-29 would carry the X-1E to an altitude of approximately 25,000 feet. If all systems were `go'... More
X-5 on Ramp - Front View, Wings Swept
This NACA High-Speed Flight Research Station photograph of the X-5 was taken at the South Base of Edwards Air Force Base. The photograph, on the ramp in-front of the NACA hangar, shows a frontal view of the X-5... More
New Southern California fuel system increases Navy’s combat capability...
The NAVSUP FLC San Diego Site Lemoore fuels team executed its first aircraft refueling, July 20, 2020, using the new aboveground fueling system. The refueling operation was a key P-1508 milestone in the course... More
NASA D-558-2 Skyrocket, Dryden history gallery
E-1013 This 1953 NACA High-Speed Flight Research Station photograph shows the Douglas D-558-2 #2 Skyrocket (NACA 144), prior to flight, being towed under the P2B-1S launch vehicle (NACA 137) for attachment. The... More
NASA X-5, Dryden history gallery
E-653 This NACA High-Speed Flight Research Station photograph of the X-5 was taken at the South Base of Edwards Air Force Base in 1952. The photograph is a left side view of the aircraft on the ramp. January 19... More
X-4 in Flight, NASA history collection
The NACA High-Speed Flight Research Station X-4 research aircraft is seen in this 1950s in-flight photograph flying near an approaching cloud bank. The two large "X"s seen connected by a line painted on the air... More
X-1-2 on ramp with Boeing B-29. Public domain image of NASA aircraft.
The Bell Aircraft Corporation X-1-2 Sitting on the ramp at NACA High-Speed Flight Research Station with the Boeing B-29 launch ship behind. The painting near the nose of the B-29 depicts a stork carrying a bund... More
X-5 on Ramp - Front View. Public domain image of NASA aircraft.
This NACA High-Speed Flight Research Station photograph of the X-5 was taken at the South Base of Edwards Air Force Base. The photograph shows a frontal view of the X-5 on the ramp in-front of the NACA hangar. ... More
North American B-45A Tornado. Public domain image of NASA aircraft.
North American B-45A Tornado: The North American B-45A Tornado was America's first four-jet powered bomber. Powered by General Electric J35 turbojets, the aircraft's performance was not as high as was expected.... More
AIRPLANE CRASH FIRE PROGRAM MATERIAL
AIRPLANE CRASH FIRE PROGRAM MATERIAL NASA Identifier: C-1955-38746 Public domain photograph of NASA experimental aircraft, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
X-4 in Flight, NASA history collection
The NACA High-Speed Flight Research Station X-4 research aircraft is seen in this 1950s in-flight close-up photograph. The two large "X"s seen connected by a line painted on the aircraft were used as an aid in ... More
A T-33 Shooting Star static display honoring Gen. Daniel
A T-33 Shooting Star static display honoring Gen. Daniel “Chappie” James Jr. at Joint Base Cape Cod, Massachusetts was taken down on September 14, 2018. The aircraft that had been on display for decades is not ... More
A 1950s-era de Havilland Beaver floatplane carrying
A 1950s-era de Havilland Beaver floatplane carrying Carl Sullivan and his family arrives at the Will Rogers-Wiley Post Memorial Seaplane Base, Renton, Wash.
D-558-2 on ramp. Public domain image of NASA aircraft.
This 1949 NACA Muroc Flight Test Unit photograph shows the Douglas D-558-2 #1 at the South Base, Edwards Air Force Base. The aircraft was turned over to the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics on 31 Aug... More
D-558-II in Flight with F-86 chase
E-3996 The F-86F performed both pitch-up research and duties as a chase aircraft for the D-558-2. Its stay at the HSFS was brief. It arrived on June 23, 1954, and left on September 10 the same year. The F-86 ha... More
D-558-2 in flight with F-86 chase
This 1950s photograph shows the Douglas D-558-2 and the North American F-86 Sabre chase aircraft in-flight. Both aircraft display early examples of sweptwing airfoils. The Douglas D-558-2 "Skyrockets" were amon... More
XF-92A in Flight, NASA history collection
This NACA High-Speed Flight Research Station photograph of the XF-92A was taken around 1953 near Edwards Air Force Base. The photograph shows an aft view of the XF-92A in flight above a layer of clouds. The Con... More
NASA AJ-2 AIRPLANE - Glenn Research Center History
AJ-2 AIRPLANE NASA Identifier: C-1959-52279 Public domain photograph of NASA experimental aircraft, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
Loftin Collection: Vought F4U-4B "Corsair" Navy fighter
The Vought F4U-4B "Corsair" Navy fighter. See also figures 3 and 17 of volume 4. This photograph is dated 7/18/51. The Vought F4U-4B was usually seen in a combat role, but as the NACA tail band suggests, this C... More
REVERSE THRUST DEVICE INSTALLATION ON F-84 AIRPLANE
REVERSE THRUST DEVICE INSTALLATION ON F-84 AIRPLANE NASA Identifier: C-1954-36132