M2-F3 lifting body in Space Race

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M2-F3 lifting body in Space Race

Test vehicles called lifting bodies -- wingless aircraft that derive lift from their shape -- were a crucial step in developing the Space Shuttle orbiter. This M2-F3 lifting body completed 27 flights from 1967 through 1972.

Photographer:

Eric Long

ID#:

SI 97-16269-8

Source:

Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum

Copyright:

Smithsonian Institution

Rights Usage:

Contact Smithsonian Institution

Terms of Use:

Smithsonian Terms of Use

For print or commercial use please see permissions information.

Photographer:

ID#:

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