Visit us in Washington, DC and Chantilly, VA to explore hundreds of the world’s most significant objects in aviation and space history.
Learn how aviation and spaceflight transformed the world.
The lunar module represents one of humanity’s greatest achievements: landing people on another heavenly body.
Don’t miss our fast-paced webcasts designed to engage students in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math in 30 minutes.
Apollo 11 was a global event. What did that historic mission mean to you? Share your story and read what others have to say.
Our scientists are involved in current research focused on the Martian climate and geology. Find out what we’re discovering.
Recognize your favorite air or space enthusiast. Add his or her name to the Museum’s Wall of Honor.
Our Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Virginia has reopened. Get free timed entry passes. The Museum in DC will remain closed. See our COVID-19 message.
Lockheed XP-80 "Lulu Belle" Vertical Stabilizer and Horizontal Stabilizer
Lockheed's most capable engineer, Clarence "Kelly" Johnson, and a team of designers began work on a prototype, designated the XP-80 but nicknamed "Lulu-Belle," on June 21, 1943. Lulu-Belle" flew on January 8, 1944, and later starred in a series of exercises conducted to develop tactics that American heavy bomber crews could use against attacks by jet fighters. The trials showed that enemy jet fighter pilots would much prefer rear aspect attacks. Based on these findings, AAF planners moved the formations of American fighters protecting the bombers to higher altitudes. Highlighted in this image are the vertical stabilizer and horizontal stabilizer of the Lockheed XP-80.
