NASA M2-F3 Lifting-Body Research Aircraft Family
The NASA M2-F3 was a Northrop-rebuilt lifting-body research aircraft created when the damaged M2-F2 was redesigned with a center fin and improved lateral-control characteristics. In the joint NASA/USAF lifting-body program it made its first glide flight on June 2, 1970 and completed 26 missions through December 1972, reaching Mach 1.6 and 71,500 feet while evaluating augmented flight controls and reaction-control jets for wingless atmospheric reentry vehicles.
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Identity
- Aliases
- M2-F3M2-F3 lifting bodyNorthrop M2-F3M2-F3 Heavyweight Lifting Body
- Family Name
- NASA M2-F3
- Full Name
- NASA M2-F3 Lifting-Body Research Aircraft Family
- Roles
- researchexperimentaltechnology_demonstrator
- Status
- retired
- Type
- aircraft
Details
- Aircraft Specs
- Configuration
- other
- Operating Modes
- land
- Description
- The NASA M2-F3 was a Northrop-rebuilt lifting-body research aircraft created when the damaged M2-F2 was redesigned with a center fin and improved lateral-control characteristics. In the joint NASA/USAF lifting-body program it made its first glide flight on June 2, 1970 and completed 26 missions through December 1972, reaching Mach 1.6 and 71,500 feet while evaluating augmented flight controls and reaction-control jets for wingless atmospheric reentry vehicles.
- First Flight Year
- 1,970
- Last Flight Year
- 1,972
- Manufacturer
Links
Assets & Meta
- Creation Time
- August 13, 2026 at 21:26:22 UTC
- Updated Time
- August 13, 2026 at 21:26:22 UTC