Boeing F3B-1, NASA history collection
Boeing F3B-1: While most Boeing F3B-1s served aboard the U. S. Navy aircraft carriers Lexington and Saratoga, this example flew in NACA hands at the Langley Memorial Aeronautical Laboratory in the late 1920's. ... More
Sperry M-1 Messenger, NASA history collection
Sperry M-1 Messenger: The Army's Sperry M-1 Messenger tested variable-camber wings at Langley in 1926. NASA Identifier: L1313
Huck Starter For Airplanes, NASA history collection
Modified Ford truck with a Huck starter, shown starting a Vought VE-7 in 1926. NASA Identifier: L1589
Curtiss XBFC-1 (XF11C-1) Goshawk
Curtiss XBFC-1 (XF11C-1) Goshawk: The NACA equipped the Navy's Curtis XBFC-1 fighter-bomber with an experimental nose-slot cowling for ground testing in October 1937. Measurements of the XBFC-1's cockpit field ... More
Weick W-1A, NASA history collection
Weick W-1A: Fred Weick's homebuilt W-1A of 1934, one of the first aircraft to employ tricycle landing gear. Weick and a group of nine other Langley engineers built this small experimental airplane in their spar... More
Franklin PS-2 (XPS-2) Glider. Public domain image of NASA aircraft.
Franklin PS-2 (XPS-2) Glider: This Franklin PS-2 training glider is about to be towed aloft by the specially modified car in front. NACA researchers used the PS-2 in a study of ground effect on a towed glider. ... More
Martin B-10B, NASA history collection
Martin B-10B: Although the front turret looks like it may have bee too high, the drag of the Martin B-10 bomber was low enough for it to have been faster than any U. S. Fighter when it was first ordered in Janu... More
Lockheed/Detroit XRO-1 Altair. Public domain image of NASA aircraft.
Lockheed/Detroit XRO-1 Altair: The metal fuselage-wooden winged Lockheed XRO-1 Altair carried the distinction of being the first aircraft with retractable gear operated by the U. S. Navy. This aircraft appeared... More
F-15B in flight showing Supersonic Natural Laminar Flow (SS-NLF) exper...
In-flight photo of the F-15B equipped with the Supersonic Natural Laminar Flow (SS-NLF) experiment. During four research flights, laminar flow was achieved over 80 percent of the test wing at speeds approaching... More
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
1946, NASA history collection, Glenn Research Center
NACA EXHIBIT FOR INSPECTION BY THE INSTITUTE OF AERONAUTICAL SCIENCE - P-59 AIRPLANE WITH COWLING OFF ON HANGAR APRON SHOWING WATER ALCOHOLTESTS - THRUST AUGMENTATION NASA Identifier: C-1946-14513
1946, NASA history collection, Glenn Research Center
B-26 AIRPLANE ON THE HANGAR APRON NASA Identifier: C-1946-14436
B-29 VIEWS, NASA history collection
B-29 VIEWS NASA Identifier: C-1944-5494 Public domain photograph of NASA experimental aircraft, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
Lockheed YP-38 Lightning, NASA history collection
Lockheed YP-38 Lightning: Drag cleanup tests were conducted on the Lockheed YP-38 Lightning in the 30 x 60 Full Scale Tunnel in December, 1941. Later models of the P-38 performed stellar service in WW II, but a... More
1946, NASA history collection, Glenn Research Center
P-61 AIRPLANE NASA Identifier: C-1946-14494 Public domain photograph of NASA experimental aircraft, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
F-15B in flight showing Supersonic Natural Laminar Flow (SS-NLF) exper...
In-flight photo of the F-15B equipped with the Supersonic Natural Laminar Flow (SS-NLF) experiment. During four research flights, laminar flow was achieved over 80 percent of the test wing at speeds approaching... More
B-26 AIRPLANE, NASA history collection
B-26 AIRPLANE NASA Identifier: C-1943-2282 Public domain photograph of NASA experimental aircraft, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
B-29 VIEWS, NASA history collection
B-29 VIEWS NASA Identifier: C-1944-5491 Public domain photograph of NASA experimental aircraft, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
Grumman XF6F-4 Hellcat, NASA history collection
Grumman XF6F-4 Hellcat: This Grumman XF6F-4 Hellcat tested while at Langley a turbo-supercharger, rather than a gear-driven supercharger as was the norm with the F6F. This aircraft served with the NACA for almo... More
Grumman XF8F-1 Bearcat, NASA history collection
Grumman XF8F-1 Bearcat: This Grumman Bearcat, the first, the XF8F-1, was tested for directional instability in Langley's 30 x 60 Full Scale Tunnel. NASA Identifier: L42397
Grumman XF8F-1 Bearcat, NASA history collection
Grumman XF8F-1 Bearcat: This Grumman Bearcat, the first, the XF8F-1, was tested for directional instability in Langley's 30 x 60 Full Scale Tunnel. NASA Identifier: L42397
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
AVIATION MEET, NASA history collection
AVIATION MEET NASA Identifier: C-1945-10587 Public domain photograph of NASA experimental aircraft, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
Lockheed YP-38 Lightning, NASA history collection
Lockheed YP-38 Lightning: Drag cleanup tests were conducted on the Lockheed YP-38 Lightning in the 30 x 60 Full Scale Tunnel in December, 1941. Later models of the P-38 performed stellar service in WW II, but a... More
Martin RA-30 Baltimore, NASA history collection
Martin RA-30 Baltimore: The Martin RA-30 Baltimore was a light bomber ordered by the Royal Air Force. Some examples were retained in the United States as part of a "Reverse Lend-Lease." This example was flown b... More
X-1, NASA history collection. Public domain image of NASA aircraft.
E-9XS-1 on the ramp with the B-29 mothership in 1949. This is the second XS-1 built; it later was converted into the X-1E. Unlike the XS-1-1, which was flown by the Air Force, the XS-1-2 was flown mostly by Bel... More
Grumman JRF-5 Goose, NASA history collection
Grumman JRF-5 Goose: The NACA used this Grumman JRF-5 Goose amphibian to shuttle workers back and forth between Langley and Wallops Island. NASA Identifier: L46931
B-24D AIRPLANE, NASA history collection
B-24D AIRPLANE NASA Identifier: C-1944-6758 Public domain photograph of NASA experimental aircraft, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
Grumman XTBF-1 "Avenger, NASA history collection
General views of Avenger aircraft. NASA Identifier: L31955 Public domain photograph of NASA experimental aircraft, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
Grumman XF6F-4 Hellcat, NASA history collection
Grumman XF6F-4 Hellcat: This Grumman XF6F-4 Hellcat tested while at Langley a turbo-supercharger, rather than a gear-driven supercharger as was the norm with the F6F. This aircraft served with the NACA for almo... More
Grumman JRF-5 Goose, NASA history collection
Grumman JRF-5 Goose: The NACA used this Grumman JRF-5 Goose amphibian to shuttle workers back and forth between Langley and Wallops Island. NASA Identifier: L45147
Sikorsky HNS-1 (YR-4B) Hoverfly Helicopter
Sikorsky HNS-1 (YR-4B) Hoverfly Helicopter: Sikorsky's HNS-1 helicopter was test flown at Langley in March 1945. This example was initially ordered by the Army, and carries an Army serial number. Jack Reeder, t... More
YA-31 AIRPLANE, NASA history collection
YA-31 AIRPLANE NASA Identifier: C-1945-8914 Public domain photograph of NASA experimental aircraft, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
Boeing B-29B Superfortress, NASA history collection
Boeing B-29B Superfortress: Among the tests Langley performed with this Boeing B-29 Superfortress were dropping free-fall test bodies. Problems with engine cooling limited this aircraft's use in the role, and a... More
Republic P-47N Thunderbolt, NASA history collection
Republic P-47N Thunderbolt: Republic Aviation's P-47N was the version of the Thunderbolt built for use in the Pacific. Without a series of bases to leapfrog from, range was a high priority on this model. This e... More
1946, NASA history collection, Glenn Research Center
TWO DIMENSIONAL RAM JET SUPPORTED BELOW P-61 AIRPLANE NASA Identifier: C-1946-17161
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
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
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-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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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-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
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
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-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 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
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 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
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
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-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-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-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
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
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-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-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
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
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
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-558-2 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
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
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
Pegasus Mated to B-52 Mothership - Front View
NASA's B-52 launch aircraft takes off with the second Pegasus vehicle under its wing from the Dryden Flight Research Facility (now the Dryden Flight Research Center), Edwards, California. NASA B-52, Tail Number... More
Aircraft Fleet 1950s, NASA history collection
E-997X-3 center, and clockwise from left: X-1A, D-558-I, XF-92A, X-5, D-558-II, and X-4. August 4,1953 NASA Photo NASA Identifier: 370420main_E-997
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
NACA Aircraft in hangar 1953 - clockwise from front center: YF-84A, D-...
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 is t... More
B-47A on ramp, NASA history collection
Boeing B-47A (NACA 150) shown on the ramp near NACA High-Speed Flight Research Station at South Base of Edwards Air Force Base, California, in 1953. The B-47A Stratojet's wing is mounted high on the fuselage wi... 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
X-3 on Ramp, NASA history collection
In this NACA High-Speed Flight Station photograph the X-3 Stiletto is viewed from above and looking at the left side. The X-3 Stiletto was a single-place jet aircraft with a slender fuselage and a long tapered ... 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
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
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