nasa history collection, california

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Dr. Hugh L. Dryden - portrait. NASA public domain image colelction.

Dr. Hugh L. Dryden - portrait. NASA public domain image colelction.

Dr. Hugh Latimer Dryden, had many titles after his name in his lifetime. In 1949 he became the director of the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA). Dr. Dryden received many accolades and awards b... More

B-29 mothership with pilots - Payne, Butchart, Walker, Littleton, and Moise

B-29 mothership with pilots - Payne, Butchart, Walker, Littleton, and ...

This photo shows the B-29 in the background with Dick Payne, Stan Butchart, and Joe Walker standing in front of it, Charles Littleton and John Moise squatting. The Boeing B-29 was the first U.S. aircraft to be ... More

D-558-1 on the ramp. Public domain image of NASA aircraft.

D-558-1 on the ramp. Public domain image of NASA aircraft.

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 from red... More

D-558-1 on the ramp. Public domain image of NASA aircraft.

D-558-1 on the ramp. Public domain image of NASA aircraft.

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 from red... More

D-558-1 Skystreak, NASA history collection

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

D-558-2 on ramp. Public domain image of NASA aircraft.

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

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

Dryden B-52 Launch Aircraft on Dryden Ramp

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-15 Mated to B-52 Captive Flight

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-5 on Ramp, NASA history collection

X-5 on Ramp, NASA history collection

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. The Bell, X-5 wa... More

X-15 landing on lakebed. Public domain image of NASA aircraft.

X-15 landing on lakebed. Public domain image of NASA aircraft.

The North American X-15 settles to the lakebed after a research flight from what is now the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards, California. The X-15 was a rocket-powered aircraft 50 ft long with a wing... More

X-4 in Flight, NASA history collection

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

D-558-2 being towed on lakebed. Public domain image of NASA aircraft.

D-558-2 being towed on lakebed. Public domain image of NASA aircraft.

In this 1949 photograph a D-558-2 is being towed across Rogers Dry Lakebed at Edwards Air Force Base. The aircraft is still equipped with a jet engine, used for ground takeoffs. On the tail of the Skyrocket is ... More

X-15 mock-up with test pilot Milt Thompson

X-15 mock-up with test pilot Milt Thompson

NASA research pilot Milt Thompson is seen here with the mock-up of X-15 #3 that was later installed at the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards, California. Milton 0. Thompson was a research pilot, Chief... More

X-38 - First Flight, NASA history collection

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-5 on Ramp - Front View, Wings Swept

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

M2-F1 in flight, NASA history collection

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

X-2 in flight after drop from B-50 mothership

X-2 in flight after drop from B-50 mothership

The Bell Aircraft Company X-2 (46-674) drops away from its Boeing B-50 mothership in this photo. Lt. Col. Frank "Pete" Everest piloted 674 on its first unpowered flight on 5 August 1954. He made the first rocke... More

Dryden F-8 Research Aircraft Fleet 1973 in flight, DFBW and SCW

Dryden F-8 Research Aircraft Fleet 1973 in flight, DFBW and SCW

F-8 Digital Fly-By-Wire (left) and F-8 Supercritical Wing in flight. These two aircraft fundamentally changed the nature of aircraft design. The F-8 DFBW pioneered digital flight controls and led to such comput... More

X-5 on Ramp - Side View. Public domain image of NASA aircraft.

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

YRF-84F aircraft on ramp. Public domain image of NASA aircraft.

YRF-84F aircraft on ramp. Public domain image of NASA aircraft.

This mid-1950s photo shows the YRF-84F on the NACA ramp. The YRF-84F was a prototype of a photo reconnaissance aircraft. It was fitted with a new nose and swept wings from earlier versions of the F-84. A YRF-84... More

NASA Research Aircraft - D-558-II, D-558-I, X-5, X-1, XF-92A, X-4

NASA Research Aircraft - D-558-II, D-558-I, X-5, X-1, XF-92A, X-4

NACA High Speed Flight Station at Edwards AFB South Base. Aircraft are (left to right): D-558-2, D-558-1, X-5, X-1, XF-92A, and X-4. This is an early 1950s color photo of NACA research aircraft in front of the ... More

YRF-84F aircraft on ramp. Public domain image of NASA aircraft.

YRF-84F aircraft on ramp. Public domain image of NASA aircraft.

This mid-1950s photo shows the YRF-84F on the NACA ramp. The YRF-84F was a prototype of a photo reconnaissance aircraft. It was fitted with a new nose and swept wings from earlier versions of the F-84. A YRF-84... More

D-558-2 being mounted to P2B-1S launch aircraft

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

X-5 on Ramp - Side View. Public domain image of NASA aircraft.

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-4 in Flight, NASA history collection

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-5 on Ramp - Front View, Wings Swept

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

KC-135 on ramp, NASA history collection

KC-135 on ramp, NASA history collection

The Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker, besides being used extensively in its primary role as an inflight aircraft refueler, has assisted in several projects at the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards, Californ... More

Former Dryden pilot and NASA astronaut Neil Armstrong

Former Dryden pilot and NASA astronaut Neil Armstrong

Famed astronaut Neil A. Armstrong, the first man to set foot on the moon during the historic Apollo 11 space mission in July 1969, served for seven years as a research pilot at the NACA-NASA High-Speed Flight S... More

X-15 landing on lakebed. Public domain image of NASA aircraft.

X-15 landing on lakebed. Public domain image of NASA aircraft.

The North American X-15 settles to the lakebed after a research flight from what is now the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards, California. The X-15 was a rocket-powered aircraft 50 ft long with a wing... More

Lifting body pilots - Jerry Gentry, John Manke, Bill Dana, Cecil Powell with M2-F3 in background

Lifting body pilots - Jerry Gentry, John Manke, Bill Dana, Cecil Powel...

Posing for this photo in front of the M2-F3 are (Left-Right) Air Force pilot Captain Jerauld Gentry, NASA pilots John Manke and William H. Dana. Kneeling is Air Force pilot Major Cecil Powell. These four pilots... More

X-5 on Ramp - Front View. Public domain image of NASA aircraft.

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

X-5 Multiple Exposure Photo Showing Wing Sweep

X-5 Multiple Exposure Photo Showing Wing Sweep

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, a multiple exposure, illustrates the X-5's variably swept wing capabilit... More

X-4 in Flight, NASA history collection

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

NASA Research Aircraft - D-558-II, D-558-I, X-5, X-1, XF-92A, X-4

NASA Research Aircraft - D-558-II, D-558-I, X-5, X-1, XF-92A, X-4

NACA High Speed Flight Station at Edwards AFB South Base. Aircraft are (left to right): D-558-2, D-558-1, X-5, X-1, XF-92A, and X-4. This is an early 1950s color photo of NACA research aircraft in front of the ... More

D-558-2 on ramp. Public domain image of NASA aircraft.

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

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-5 Multiple Exposure Photo Showing Wing Sweep

X-5 Multiple Exposure Photo Showing Wing Sweep

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, a multiple exposure, illustrates the X-5's variably swept wing capabilit... More

KC-135 on ramp, NASA history collection

KC-135 on ramp, NASA history collection

The Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker, besides being used extensively in its primary role as an inflight aircraft refueler, has assisted in several projects at the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards, Californ... More

X-5 on Ramp, NASA history collection

X-5 on Ramp, NASA history collection

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 portrays a left wing side view of the aircraft and also shows the pitot-s... More

Pegasus Mated to B-52 Mothership - Front View

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

D-558-2 launch from B-29 mothership

D-558-2 launch from B-29 mothership

The D-558-2 is launched from the Navy P2B-1S 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 from the runway. This limited the aircr... More

X-5 on Ramp - Front View. Public domain image of NASA aircraft.

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-558-1, D-558-2, B-47, X-1 ship

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

D-558-2 being towed on lakebed. Public domain image of NASA aircraft.

D-558-2 being towed on lakebed. Public domain image of NASA aircraft.

In this 1949 photograph a D-558-2 is being towed across Rogers Dry Lakebed at Edwards Air Force Base. The aircraft is still equipped with a jet engine, used for ground takeoffs. On the tail of the Skyrocket is ... More

X-3 on Ramp, NASA history collection

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

Former Dryden pilot and NASA astronaut Neil Armstrong

Former Dryden pilot and NASA astronaut Neil Armstrong

Famed astronaut Neil A. Armstrong, the first man to set foot on the moon during the historic Apollo 11 space mission in July 1969, served for seven years as a research pilot at the NACA-NASA High-Speed Flight S... More

D-558-2 being mounted to P2B-1S launch aircraft

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 (Navy designation for the Air Force B-29) launch veh... More

X-5 on Ramp, NASA history collection

X-5 on Ramp, NASA history collection

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. The Bell, X-5 wa... More

D-558-2 in flight with F-86 chase

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

D-558-2 being mounted to P2B-1S launch aircraft

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

X-4 in Flight, NASA history collection

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

D-558-2 launch from B-29 mothership

D-558-2 launch from B-29 mothership

The D-558-2 is launched from the Navy P2B-1S 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 from the runway. This limited the aircr... More

X-2 in flight after drop from B-50 mothership

X-2 in flight after drop from B-50 mothership

The Bell Aircraft Company X-2 (46-674) drops away from its Boeing B-50 mothership in this photo. Lt. Col. Frank "Pete" Everest piloted 674 on its first unpowered flight on 5 August 1954. He made the first rocke... More

D-558-2 being mounted to P2B-1S launch aircraft

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 (Navy designation for the Air Force B-29) launch veh... More

X-3 on Ramp, NASA history collection

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

X-5 on Ramp, NASA history collection

X-5 on Ramp, NASA history collection

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 portrays a left wing side view of the aircraft and also shows the pitot-s... More

NACA Aircraft in hangar 1953 - clockwise from front center: YF-84A, D-558-1, D-558-2, B-47, X-1 ship

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

M2-F1 in flight, NASA history collection

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

X-15 mock-up with test pilot Milt Thompson

X-15 mock-up with test pilot Milt Thompson

NASA research pilot Milt Thompson stands next to a mock-up of X-15 number 3 that was later installed at the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards, California. Milton 0. Thompson was a research pilot, Chie... More

X-4, NASA history collection. Public domain image of NASA aircraft.

X-4, NASA history collection. Public domain image of NASA aircraft.

In this 1950 straight-on view of the NACA High-Speed Flight Research Station's X-4 research aircraft, the horizontal tailless design is quite evident. The X-4 Bantam, a single-place, low swept-wing, semi-taille... More

NACA Research Aircraft-Bell X-1A, D-558-1, XF-92A, X-5, D-558-2, X-4, and X-3

NACA Research Aircraft-Bell X-1A, D-558-1, XF-92A, X-5, D-558-2, X-4, ...

A 1953 photo of some of the research aircraft at the NACA High-Speed Flight Research Station (now known as the the Dryden Flight Research Center). The photo shows the X-3 (center) and, clockwise from left: X-1A... More

X-3 Stiletto on Ramp - View from Front

X-3 Stiletto on Ramp - View from Front

This NACA High-Speed Flight Station photograph shows a front-view of the X-3 Stiletto research aircraft. The X-3 Stiletto was a single-place jet aircraft with a slender fuselage and a long tapered nose, manufac... More

D-558-2 being mounted to P2B-1S launch aircraft in hangar

D-558-2 being mounted to P2B-1S launch aircraft in hangar

This 1954 photograph shows a Douglas D-558-2 under the P2B-1S (Navy designation for a B-29) launch aircraft. The P2B-1S has been lifted on mechanical jacks in the hangar for a possible "fit check" or the attach... More

Wing chord extension on D-558-2

Wing chord extension on D-558-2

This 1953 NACA High-Speed Flight Research Station photograph shows the wing chord extensions added to D-558-2 #3. The added width on the outer wing panels was one attempt made to solve the tendence of the D-558... More

Main aircraft hangar (4802) at Dryden FRC

Main aircraft hangar (4802) at Dryden FRC

Located on the northwest "shore" of Rogers Dry Lake, the Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards, California, was built around the original administrative-hangar building constructed in 1954. This photograph was... More

X-3 on Ramp from Above. Public domain image of NASA aircraft.

X-3 on Ramp from Above. Public domain image of NASA aircraft.

This NACA High-Speed Flight Station photograph shows an aft, look-down view of the X-3 Stiletto on the ramp at Edwards Air Force Base, Edwards, California, in 1955. The X-3 Stiletto was a single-place jet aircr... More

F-86 Sabre on lakebed, front view

F-86 Sabre on lakebed, front view

With the NACA High-Speed Flight Station (HSFS) main building (4800) in the background the North American F-86F (Serial #52-5426) Sabre sits on the Rogers Dry lakebed just off the NACA ramp in 1954. This was soo... More

NACA Research Aircraft-Bell X-1A, D-558-1, XF-92A, X-5, D-558-2, X-4, and X-3

NACA Research Aircraft-Bell X-1A, D-558-1, XF-92A, X-5, D-558-2, X-4, ...

A 1953 photo of some of the research aircraft at the NACA High-Speed Flight Research Station (now known as the the Dryden Flight Research Center). The photo shows the X-3 (center) and, clockwise from left: X-1A... More

X-4 on Ramp, NASA history collection

X-4 on Ramp, NASA history collection

In this 1950 view of the right side of the NACA High-Speed Flight Research Station's X-4 research aircraft, the low swept wing and horizontal taillest design are seen. The X-4 Bantam, a single-place, low swept-... More

D-558-2 LOX (Liquid OXygen) jettison on ramp

D-558-2 LOX (Liquid OXygen) jettison on ramp

In this 1956 photograph the Douglas D-558-2 #1 is shown venting liquid oxigen (LOX). The photograph was taken in back of the NACA High-Speed Flight Station's new hangar and building on the main base at Edwards ... More

X-3 on Lakebed, NASA history collection

X-3 on Lakebed, NASA history collection

In this NACA High-Speed Flight Station photograph, the X-3 Stiletto is seen illuminated by sunlight off the lakebed at Edwards Air Force Base. This photograph illustrates why, of all the early NACA test aircraf... More

X-3 Stiletto on Ramp - View from Side

X-3 Stiletto on Ramp - View from Side

This NACA High-Speed Flight Station photograph shows a side-view of the X-3 Stiletto research aircraft on the ramp at Edwards Air Force Base in 1954. The X-3 Stiletto was a single-place jet aircraft with a slen... More

D-558-2 being mounted to P2B-1S launch aircraft in hangar

D-558-2 being mounted to P2B-1S launch aircraft in hangar

This 1954 photograph shows a Douglas D-558-2 under the P2B-1S (Navy designation for a B-29) launch aircraft. The P2B-1S has been lifted on mechanical jacks in the hangar for a possible "fit check" or the attach... More

X-3 on Lakebed, NASA history collection

X-3 on Lakebed, NASA history collection

In this NACA High-Speed Flight Station photograph, the X-3 Stiletto is seen on the lakebed at Edwards Air Force Base. The X-3 Stiletto was a single-place jet aircraft with a slender fuselage and a long tapered ... More

X-4 on Ramp, NASA history collection

X-4 on Ramp, NASA history collection

In this 1950 view of the right side of the NACA High-Speed Flight Research Station's X-4 research aircraft, the low swept wing and horizontal taillest design are seen. The X-4 Bantam, a single-place, low swept-... More

X-2 on lakebed after landing on skids

X-2 on lakebed after landing on skids

This 1952 photograph shows the X-2 #2 (46-675) with a collapsed nose landing gear, after landing on the first glide flight at Edwards Air Force Base. The aircraft pitched at landing, slid along its main skid, a... More

Aerial photo of NASA Dryden Flight Research Facility

Aerial photo of NASA Dryden Flight Research Facility

The concrete aircraft parking and taxiway facilities show prominently in an aerial photograph of the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center, located on the northwest edge of Rogers Dry Lake at Edwards AFB, Californ... More

D-558-2 LOX (Liquid OXygen) jettison on ramp

D-558-2 LOX (Liquid OXygen) jettison on ramp

In this 1956 photograph the Douglas D-558-2 #1 is shown venting liquid oxigen (LOX). The photograph was taken in back of the NACA High-Speed Flight Station's new hangar and building on the main base at Edwards ... More

F-86 Sabre on lakebed, front view

F-86 Sabre on lakebed, front view

With the NACA High-Speed Flight Station (HSFS) main building (4800) in the background the North American F-86F (Serial #52-5426) Sabre sits on the Rogers Dry lakebed just off the NACA ramp in 1954. This was soo... More

X-4, NASA history collection. Public domain image of NASA aircraft.

X-4, NASA history collection. Public domain image of NASA aircraft.

In this 1950 straight-on view of the NACA High-Speed Flight Research Station's X-4 research aircraft, the horizontal tailless design is quite evident. The X-4 Bantam, a single-place, low swept-wing, semi-taille... More

D-558-2 Aircraft on lakebed. Public domain image of NASA aircraft.

D-558-2 Aircraft on lakebed. Public domain image of NASA aircraft.

Viewed in this 1954 photograph is the NACA High Speed Flight Research Station's D-558-2 #2 (144), an all rocket powered Skyrocket. Like the X-1, the D-558-2 had a fuselage shaped like a .50 caliber bullet. Unli... More

D-558-2 Aircraft on lakebed. Public domain image of NASA aircraft.

D-558-2 Aircraft on lakebed. Public domain image of NASA aircraft.

Viewed in this 1955 photograph is the NACA High Speed Flight Station D-558-2 #2 (144) Skyrocket, an all-rocket powered vehicle. The Skyrocket is parked on Rogers Dry Lakebed at Edwards Air Force Base. This airc... More

X-3 on Lakebed, NASA history collection

X-3 on Lakebed, NASA history collection

In this NACA High-Speed Flight Station photograph, the X-3 Stiletto is seen illuminated by sunlight off the lakebed at Edwards Air Force Base. This photograph illustrates why, of all the early NACA test aircraf... More

D-558-2 Aircraft on lakebed. Public domain image of NASA aircraft.

D-558-2 Aircraft on lakebed. Public domain image of NASA aircraft.

Viewed in this 1955 photograph is the NACA High Speed Flight Station D-558-2 #2 (144) Skyrocket, an all-rocket powered vehicle. The Skyrocket is parked on Rogers Dry Lakebed at Edwards Air Force Base. This airc... More

X-3 on Ramp from Above. Public domain image of NASA aircraft.

X-3 on Ramp from Above. Public domain image of NASA aircraft.

This NACA High-Speed Flight Station photograph shows an aft, look-down view of the X-3 Stiletto on the ramp at Edwards Air Force Base, Edwards, California, in 1955. The X-3 Stiletto was a single-place jet aircr... More

X-2 on Transportation Dolly. Public domain image of NASA aircraft.

X-2 on Transportation Dolly. Public domain image of NASA aircraft.

This 1952 photograph shows the X-2 #2 aircraft mounted on a special transportation dolly at Edwards Air Force Base, California. The dolly was steerable and was used for transporting the X-2 around and for towin... More

D-558-2 Aircraft on lakebed. Public domain image of NASA aircraft.

D-558-2 Aircraft on lakebed. Public domain image of NASA aircraft.

Viewed in this 1954 photograph is the NACA High Speed Flight Research Station's D-558-2 #2 (144), an all rocket powered Skyrocket. Like the X-1, the D-558-2 had a fuselage shaped like a .50 caliber bullet. Unli... More

X-3 Being Towed to Lakebed on Ramp

X-3 Being Towed to Lakebed on Ramp

In this NACA High-Speed Flight Station photograph, the X-3 Stiletto is seen being towed behind the NACA hangar (located on Edwards Air Force base) towards the lakebed. The X-3 Stiletto was a single-place jet ai... More

X-2 in flight, NASA history collection

X-2 in flight, NASA history collection

This inflight photograph of the X-2 (46-674) shows the twin set of shock-diamonds, characteristic of supersonic conditions in the exhaust plume from the two-chamber rocket engine. The Curtiss-Wright XLR-25 rock... More

X-2 on Transportation Dolly. Public domain image of NASA aircraft.

X-2 on Transportation Dolly. Public domain image of NASA aircraft.

This 1952 photograph shows the X-2 #2 aircraft mounted on a special transportation dolly at Edwards Air Force Base, California. The dolly was steerable and was used for transporting the X-2 around and for towin... More

X-2 in flight, NASA history collection

X-2 in flight, NASA history collection

This inflight photograph of the X-2 (46-674) shows the twin set of shock-diamonds, characteristic of supersonic conditions in the exhaust plume from the two-chamber rocket engine. The Curtiss-Wright XLR-25 rock... More

X-3 on Lakebed, NASA history collection

X-3 on Lakebed, NASA history collection

In this NACA High-Speed Flight Station photograph, the X-3 Stiletto is seen on the lakebed at Edwards Air Force Base. The X-3 Stiletto was a single-place jet aircraft with a slender fuselage and a long tapered ... More

X-3 Being Towed to Lakebed on Ramp

X-3 Being Towed to Lakebed on Ramp

In this NACA High-Speed Flight Station photograph, the X-3 Stiletto is seen being towed behind the NACA hangar (located on Edwards Air Force base) towards the lakebed. The X-3 Stiletto was a single-place jet ai... More

Wing chord extension on D-558-2

Wing chord extension on D-558-2

This 1953 NACA High-Speed Flight Research Station photograph shows the wing chord extensions added to D-558-2 #3. The added width on the outer wing panels was one attempt made to solve the tendence of the D-558... More

X-2 on lakebed after landing on skids

X-2 on lakebed after landing on skids

This 1952 photograph shows the X-2 #2 (46-675) with a collapsed nose landing gear, after landing on the first glide flight at Edwards Air Force Base. The aircraft pitched at landing, slid along its main skid, a... More

X-3 Stiletto on Ramp - View from Side

X-3 Stiletto on Ramp - View from Side

This NACA High-Speed Flight Station photograph shows a side-view of the X-3 Stiletto research aircraft on the ramp at Edwards Air Force Base in 1954. The X-3 Stiletto was a single-place jet aircraft with a slen... More

Aeronautical Research Engineer Milt Thompson computing data

Aeronautical Research Engineer Milt Thompson computing data

Milton O. Thompson was hired as an engineer at the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics' High-Speed Flight Station (later renamed the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's Dryden Flight Researc... More

X-1E on Display Stand at Dryden

X-1E on Display Stand at Dryden

A photo showing the Bell Aircraft Corporation X-1E mounted at a jaunty angle in front of the main building (4800) at NASA Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards, California. The X-1E began life as the X-1-2, a ... More

NACA Aircraft on Lakebed-X-3, D-558-1, XF4D, D-558-2

NACA Aircraft on Lakebed-X-3, D-558-1, XF4D, D-558-2

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-3 (in ... More

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