This M2-F3 lifting body was the first of the heavyweight, wingless lifting body research craft of the 1960s. The lifting body programs tested the concept of achieving aerodynamic lift from just the shape of wingless craft, a concept used in designing the Space Shuttle. This F3 is the F2 re-built after a landing accident seriously damaged the M2-F2. The rocket-powered M2 was launched from beneath a B-52 mother craft at an altitude of 45,000 ft. and would glide to a landing. NASA transferred the M2-F3 to the Museum for display in 1975.

 Display Status

This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Object Details
Key Accomplishment(s) Wingless Research Craft Brief Description This M2-F3 lifting body was the first of the wingless lifting body research craft of the 1960s. It tested the concept of achieving aerodynamic lift from just the shape of wingless craft, a concept used in the Space Shuttle. This F3 is the F2 rebuilt after a crash in 1967. Country of Origin United States of America Type SPACECRAFT-Crewed-Test Vehicles Manufacturer Northrop Norair
 Physical Description Four pages of Parts Control Tags #95392 that were once together now separated. These parts control tags state that “the initiators were removed”. Dimensions 2-D - Unframed (H x W): 10 1/2 × 5 in. (10 1/2 × 5 in.)
 Materials Paper
 Alternate Name M2-F3 Lifting Body Inventory Number A19751576003 Credit Line Transferred from NASA Dryden Flight Research Center Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Open Access (CCO)
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