The Highly Maneuverable Aircraft Technology (HiMAT) program was established by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Dryden Flight Research Center at Edwards AFB, CA and the USAF Flight Dynamics Laboratory at Wright-Patterson AFB, OH to decrease the time needed to flight test advanced design technology by providing a low-cost, low-risk test bed vehicle. Following control technical development in 1975, NASA awarded a contract to Rockwell International for two HiMAT Remotely-Piloted Research Vehicles (RPRV). The Rockwell HiMAT consisted of a basic core vehicle containing the power plant, control, and telemetry systems and modular main wings, canard and tail surfaces, and engine intake and afterburner/exhaust structures to allow flight testing of alternate designs. The first of the HiMATs was delivered to NASA in March 1978 and the second in June, with the first free flight occurring in July 1979. The Rockwell HiMAT was controlled by a ground-based pilot through television, radar, and telemetry links to the vehicle with backup systems on chase aircraft and a self-righting system on the RPRV in the event of ground control loss. One HiMAT was donated to the National Air and Space Museum (NASM) and placed on display in May 1989.
NASM.1989.0059
Rockwell International
1976-1981
NASA/Dryden FRC, Transfer, 1989, 1989-0059, unknown
5.68 Cubic feet ((1 slim legal document box) (5 records center boxes) (2 flatboxes))
No restrictions on access
Collection descriptions
Archival materials
Reports
Photographs
Correspondence
Software
Punched cards
This collection consists of documentation on the NASM HiMAT. The material includes correspondence, color photographs, test information, computer programs, printouts, punch tapes, and schematics.
Reports
Photographs
Correspondence
Software
Punched cards
Material is subject to Smithsonian Terms of Use. Should you wish to use NASM material in any medium, please submit an Application for Permission to Reproduce NASM Material, available at Permissions Requests
Rockwell International
United States. National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (Ohio)
Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (Ohio). Flight Dynamics Laboratory
Highly Maneuverable Aircraft Technology (HiMAT)
HiMAT Remotely-Piloted Research Vehicles (RPRV)
Drone aircraft
Airplanes -- Flight testing
Aeronautics, Military
Aeronautics, Commercial
Aeronautics
National Air and Space Museum Archives