http://www.flickr.com/photos/nasacommons/tags/naca/ Thu, 19 Jul 2012 14:42:10 -0700 Thu, 19 Jul 2012 14:42:10 -0700 http://www.flickr.com/ http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2529/buddyicons/44494372@N05.jpg?1257884134#44494372@N05 http://www.flickr.com/photos/nasacommons/tags/naca/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/nasacommons/7605918726/ <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/nasacommons/">NASA on The Commons</a> posted a photo:</p> <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nasacommons/7605918726/" title="Boeing NB-1"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8003/7605918726_6a4251f9d1_m.jpg" width="240" height="192" alt="Boeing NB-1" /></a></p> <p>(October 12, 1926) Boeing NB-1: Designed as a primary trainer for the U. S. Navy, the Boeing NB-1 was used by the NACA at Langley starting in October 1926. The float-quipped example used by the NACA was suspended from the NACA hangar roof for work.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.nasaimages.org/luna/servlet/detail/nasaNAS~2~2~3938~105487" rel="nofollow">www.nasaimages.org/luna/servlet/detail/nasaNAS~2~2~3938~1...</a></p> Thu, 19 Jul 2012 14:42:10 -0700 1926-10-12T14:42:10-08:00 nobody@flickr.com (NASA on The Commons) tag:flickr.com,2004:/photo/7605918726 Boeing NB-1 <p>(October 12, 1926) Boeing NB-1: Designed as a primary trainer for the U. S. Navy, the Boeing NB-1 was used by the NACA at Langley starting in October 1926. The float-quipped example used by the NACA was suspended from the NACA hangar roof for work.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.nasaimages.org/luna/servlet/detail/nasaNAS~2~2~3938~105487" rel="nofollow">www.nasaimages.org/luna/servlet/detail/nasaNAS~2~2~3938~1...</a></p> NASA on The Commons nasa boeing usnavy aeronautics 1926 naca nasalangleyresearchcenter http://www.flickr.com/commons/usage/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/nasacommons/7605916274/ <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/nasacommons/">NASA on The Commons</a> posted a photo:</p> <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nasacommons/7605916274/" title="Various Rocket Installations at Rocket Laboratory"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7131/7605916274_d37b80406c_m.jpg" width="240" height="192" alt="Various Rocket Installations at Rocket Laboratory" /></a></p> <p>(January 15, 1952) An engineer operating a rig used for studying film-cooling of combustors. In this method of cooling, a film of relatively cool air is maintained between the hot gases and the combustor wall to serve as an insulator for the wall. The operator is separated from the combustion equipment by 2 feet of reinforced concrete with a steel inner lining. He sees the equipment indirectly, through a periscopic arrangement of mirrors and a window of bullet-proof glass. Lewis Flight Propulsion Laboratory, National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics, now known as John H. Glenn Research Center at Lewis Field, Cleveland, Ohio.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.nasaimages.org/luna/servlet/detail/nasaNAS~5~5~21907~126610:Various-Rocket-Installations-at-Roc" rel="nofollow">www.nasaimages.org/luna/servlet/detail/nasaNAS~5~5~21907~...</a></p> Thu, 19 Jul 2012 14:41:41 -0700 1952-01-15T14:41:41-08:00 nobody@flickr.com (NASA on The Commons) tag:flickr.com,2004:/photo/7605916274 Various Rocket Installations at Rocket Laboratory <p>(January 15, 1952) An engineer operating a rig used for studying film-cooling of combustors. In this method of cooling, a film of relatively cool air is maintained between the hot gases and the combustor wall to serve as an insulator for the wall. The operator is separated from the combustion equipment by 2 feet of reinforced concrete with a steel inner lining. He sees the equipment indirectly, through a periscopic arrangement of mirrors and a window of bullet-proof glass. Lewis Flight Propulsion Laboratory, National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics, now known as John H. Glenn Research Center at Lewis Field, Cleveland, Ohio.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.nasaimages.org/luna/servlet/detail/nasaNAS~5~5~21907~126610:Various-Rocket-Installations-at-Roc" rel="nofollow">www.nasaimages.org/luna/servlet/detail/nasaNAS~5~5~21907~...</a></p> NASA on The Commons nasa 1952 naca nasaglennresearchcenter http://www.flickr.com/commons/usage/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/nasacommons/7605909202/ <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/nasacommons/">NASA on The Commons</a> posted a photo:</p> <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nasacommons/7605909202/" title="Lockheed C-141 Model in TDT"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8151/7605909202_5623fae1af_m.jpg" width="240" height="177" alt="Lockheed C-141 Model in TDT" /></a></p> <p>(November 16, 1962) Lockheed C-141 model in the Transonic Dynamics Tunnel (TDT). By the late 1940s, with the advent of relatively thin, flexible aircraft wings, the need was recognized for testing dynamically and elastically scaled models of aircraft. In 1954, NASA's predecessor agency, the National Advisory Committee on Aeronautics (NACA), began converting the Langley 19-foot Pressure Tunnel for dynamic testing of aircraft structures. The old circular test section was reduced to 16 x 16 feet, and slotted walls were added for transonic operation. The TDT was provided with special oscillator vanes upstream of the test section to create controlled gusty air to simulate aircraft response to gusts. A model support system was devised that freed the model to pitch and plunge as the wings started oscillating in response to the fluctuating airstream. The TDT was completed in 1959. It was the world's first aeroelastic testing tunnel.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://nasaimages.org/luna/servlet/detail/nasaNAS~5~5~22822~127168:Lockheed-C-141-Model-in-TDT" rel="nofollow">nasaimages.org/luna/servlet/detail/nasaNAS~5~5~22822~1271...</a></p> Thu, 19 Jul 2012 14:40:18 -0700 1962-11-16T14:40:18-08:00 nobody@flickr.com (NASA on The Commons) tag:flickr.com,2004:/photo/7605909202 Lockheed C-141 Model in TDT <p>(November 16, 1962) Lockheed C-141 model in the Transonic Dynamics Tunnel (TDT). By the late 1940s, with the advent of relatively thin, flexible aircraft wings, the need was recognized for testing dynamically and elastically scaled models of aircraft. In 1954, NASA's predecessor agency, the National Advisory Committee on Aeronautics (NACA), began converting the Langley 19-foot Pressure Tunnel for dynamic testing of aircraft structures. The old circular test section was reduced to 16 x 16 feet, and slotted walls were added for transonic operation. The TDT was provided with special oscillator vanes upstream of the test section to create controlled gusty air to simulate aircraft response to gusts. A model support system was devised that freed the model to pitch and plunge as the wings started oscillating in response to the fluctuating airstream. The TDT was completed in 1959. It was the world's first aeroelastic testing tunnel.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://nasaimages.org/luna/servlet/detail/nasaNAS~5~5~22822~127168:Lockheed-C-141-Model-in-TDT" rel="nofollow">nasaimages.org/luna/servlet/detail/nasaNAS~5~5~22822~1271...</a></p> NASA on The Commons airplane nasa 1962 aeronautics windtunnel naca aerodynamics nasalangleyresearchcenter http://www.flickr.com/commons/usage/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/nasacommons/7605914934/ <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/nasacommons/">NASA on The Commons</a> posted a photo:</p> <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nasacommons/7605914934/" title="Curtiss Bleeker Helicopter"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7125/7605914934_39a3547262_m.jpg" width="240" height="188" alt="Curtiss Bleeker Helicopter" /></a></p> <p>(June 1, 1930) In June of 1930 this Curtiss Bleeker Helicopter was photographed on the tarmac in front of the Langley hangar. The first successful helicopters, however, appeared in Europe later in the decade.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://nasaimages.org/luna/servlet/detail/nasaNAS~5~5~22717~127133:Curtiss-Bleeker-Helicopter" rel="nofollow">nasaimages.org/luna/servlet/detail/nasaNAS~5~5~22717~1271...</a></p> Thu, 19 Jul 2012 14:41:26 -0700 1930-06-01T14:41:26-08:00 nobody@flickr.com (NASA on The Commons) tag:flickr.com,2004:/photo/7605914934 Curtiss Bleeker Helicopter <p>(June 1, 1930) In June of 1930 this Curtiss Bleeker Helicopter was photographed on the tarmac in front of the Langley hangar. The first successful helicopters, however, appeared in Europe later in the decade.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://nasaimages.org/luna/servlet/detail/nasaNAS~5~5~22717~127133:Curtiss-Bleeker-Helicopter" rel="nofollow">nasaimages.org/luna/servlet/detail/nasaNAS~5~5~22717~1271...</a></p> NASA on The Commons nasa helicopter 1930 aeronautics naca nasalangleyresearchcenter http://www.flickr.com/commons/usage/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/nasacommons/7605919104/ <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/nasacommons/">NASA on The Commons</a> posted a photo:</p> <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nasacommons/7605919104/" title="Double Trouble"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8289/7605919104_ee3f95b049_m.jpg" width="240" height="175" alt="Double Trouble" /></a></p> <p>(May 5, 1951) North American XP-82 (XF-82) Twin Mustang: In the early 1950s, the NACA used this XP-82 Twin Mustang for its drop-body tests. A test body is shown in the rack underneath the Twin Mustang's center wing section. NACA 114 was the first Twin Mustang built, and was turned over to the Langley Memorial Aeronautical Laboratory following introduction of the type into regular Air Force service.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.nasaimages.org/luna/servlet/detail/nasaNAS~2~2~11375~113382" rel="nofollow">www.nasaimages.org/luna/servlet/detail/nasaNAS~2~2~11375~...</a></p> Thu, 19 Jul 2012 14:42:15 -0700 1951-05-05T14:42:15-08:00 nobody@flickr.com (NASA on The Commons) tag:flickr.com,2004:/photo/7605919104 Double Trouble <p>(May 5, 1951) North American XP-82 (XF-82) Twin Mustang: In the early 1950s, the NACA used this XP-82 Twin Mustang for its drop-body tests. A test body is shown in the rack underneath the Twin Mustang's center wing section. NACA 114 was the first Twin Mustang built, and was turned over to the Langley Memorial Aeronautical Laboratory following introduction of the type into regular Air Force service.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.nasaimages.org/luna/servlet/detail/nasaNAS~2~2~11375~113382" rel="nofollow">www.nasaimages.org/luna/servlet/detail/nasaNAS~2~2~11375~...</a></p> NASA on The Commons nasa 1951 naca f82 twinmustang nasalangleyresearchcenter northamericanf82 northamericanf82twinmustang http://www.flickr.com/commons/usage/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/nasacommons/7605908930/ <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/nasacommons/">NASA on The Commons</a> posted a photo:</p> <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nasacommons/7605908930/" title="P-51 Mustang on Lakebed"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7275/7605908930_d330aa88ef_m.jpg" width="240" height="206" alt="P-51 Mustang on Lakebed" /></a></p> <p>(1955) This photograph shows a NACA research pilot running up the engine of the F-51 Mustang on the taxiway adjacent to Rogers Dry Lake at the NACA High-Speed Flight Station in 1955. A P-51 Mustang, redesignated an F-51 Mustang, was transferred from the Langley Aeronautical Laboratory to the NACA High-Speed Flight Research Station (now the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center) at Edwards Air Force Base in California, in 1950. The P-51 Mustang was the first aircraft to employ the NACA laminar-flow airfoil design and could dive to around Mach number 0.8. As an F-51, it was used as a proficiency aircraft at the High Speed Flight Station. A North American P-51Mustang (the P meaning pursuit), redesignated as an F-51 Mustang (with the F standing for fighter), was transferred to the NACA High-Speed Flight Research Station (HSFRS), Edwards, California, from the Langley Aeronautical Laboratory, Hampton, Virginia, in 1950. This aircraft had been used in wing-flow research at Langley prior to its transfer. The NACA was the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics, a predecessor of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The HSFRS was a predecessor of NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center, and Langley Aeronautical Laboratory became NASA's Langley Research Center. The P-51 was the first aircraft to employ the NACA laminar-flow airfoil design and could dive to a speed of roughly Mach 0.8. As an F-51 Fighter, instead of a P-51 pursuit aircraft, the aircraft was used as a proficiency aircraft at HSFRS. Records show that the aircraft was also used as a chase and support aircraft 395 times. Neil Armstrong was among the pilots using it to chase some of the X-planes (that is, provide safety support). The P-51 was retired in 1959 as the result of a taxiing mishap.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://nasaimages.org/luna/servlet/detail/nasaNAS~2~2~1838~103251" rel="nofollow">nasaimages.org/luna/servlet/detail/nasaNAS~2~2~1838~103251</a></p> Thu, 19 Jul 2012 14:40:14 -0700 1955-01-01T00:00:00-08:00 nobody@flickr.com (NASA on The Commons) tag:flickr.com,2004:/photo/7605908930 P-51 Mustang on Lakebed <p>(1955) This photograph shows a NACA research pilot running up the engine of the F-51 Mustang on the taxiway adjacent to Rogers Dry Lake at the NACA High-Speed Flight Station in 1955. A P-51 Mustang, redesignated an F-51 Mustang, was transferred from the Langley Aeronautical Laboratory to the NACA High-Speed Flight Research Station (now the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center) at Edwards Air Force Base in California, in 1950. The P-51 Mustang was the first aircraft to employ the NACA laminar-flow airfoil design and could dive to around Mach number 0.8. As an F-51, it was used as a proficiency aircraft at the High Speed Flight Station. A North American P-51Mustang (the P meaning pursuit), redesignated as an F-51 Mustang (with the F standing for fighter), was transferred to the NACA High-Speed Flight Research Station (HSFRS), Edwards, California, from the Langley Aeronautical Laboratory, Hampton, Virginia, in 1950. This aircraft had been used in wing-flow research at Langley prior to its transfer. The NACA was the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics, a predecessor of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The HSFRS was a predecessor of NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center, and Langley Aeronautical Laboratory became NASA's Langley Research Center. The P-51 was the first aircraft to employ the NACA laminar-flow airfoil design and could dive to a speed of roughly Mach 0.8. As an F-51 Fighter, instead of a P-51 pursuit aircraft, the aircraft was used as a proficiency aircraft at HSFRS. Records show that the aircraft was also used as a chase and support aircraft 395 times. Neil Armstrong was among the pilots using it to chase some of the X-planes (that is, provide safety support). The P-51 was retired in 1959 as the result of a taxiing mishap.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://nasaimages.org/luna/servlet/detail/nasaNAS~2~2~1838~103251" rel="nofollow">nasaimages.org/luna/servlet/detail/nasaNAS~2~2~1838~103251</a></p> NASA on The Commons 1955 airplanes nasa aeronautics p51 p51mustang naca naa northamericanp51mustang nasadrydenflightresearchcenter http://www.flickr.com/commons/usage/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/nasacommons/7605915294/ <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/nasacommons/">NASA on The Commons</a> posted a photo:</p> <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nasacommons/7605915294/" title="XFV-1"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8148/7605915294_1e905a5ee2_m.jpg" width="192" height="240" alt="XFV-1" /></a></p> <p>(August 18, 1942) Free-flight investigation of 1/4-scale dynamic model of XFV-1 in NACA Ames 40x80ft wind tunnel.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://nasaimages.org/luna/servlet/detail/NVA2~31~31~65789~128086:A-17167" rel="nofollow">nasaimages.org/luna/servlet/detail/NVA2~31~31~65789~12808...</a></p> Thu, 19 Jul 2012 14:41:30 -0700 1942-08-18T14:41:30-08:00 nobody@flickr.com (NASA on The Commons) tag:flickr.com,2004:/photo/7605915294 XFV-1 <p>(August 18, 1942) Free-flight investigation of 1/4-scale dynamic model of XFV-1 in NACA Ames 40x80ft wind tunnel.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://nasaimages.org/luna/servlet/detail/NVA2~31~31~65789~128086:A-17167" rel="nofollow">nasaimages.org/luna/servlet/detail/NVA2~31~31~65789~12808...</a></p> NASA on The Commons airplanes nasa 1942 aeronautics naca nasaamesresearchcenter http://www.flickr.com/commons/usage/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/nasacommons/7605914010/ <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/nasacommons/">NASA on The Commons</a> posted a photo:</p> <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nasacommons/7605914010/" title="Ramjet Missile"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8282/7605914010_de5bf3b512_m.jpg" width="240" height="187" alt="Ramjet Missile" /></a></p> <p>(July 1, 1947) A ram jet missile in 1947.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://nasaimages.org/luna/servlet/detail/nasaNAS~5~5~21875~126586:Ramjet-Missile" rel="nofollow">nasaimages.org/luna/servlet/detail/nasaNAS~5~5~21875~1265...</a></p> Thu, 19 Jul 2012 14:41:15 -0700 1947-07-01T14:41:15-08:00 nobody@flickr.com (NASA on The Commons) tag:flickr.com,2004:/photo/7605914010 Ramjet Missile <p>(July 1, 1947) A ram jet missile in 1947.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://nasaimages.org/luna/servlet/detail/nasaNAS~5~5~21875~126586:Ramjet-Missile" rel="nofollow">nasaimages.org/luna/servlet/detail/nasaNAS~5~5~21875~1265...</a></p> NASA on The Commons nasa 1947 naca nasaglennresearchcenter http://www.flickr.com/commons/usage/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/nasacommons/7605917238/ <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/nasacommons/">NASA on The Commons</a> posted a photo:</p> <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nasacommons/7605917238/" title="Consolidated B-24D Liberator"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7251/7605917238_2a4d51a2c9_m.jpg" width="240" height="202" alt="Consolidated B-24D Liberator" /></a></p> <p>(August 31, 1943) Consolidated B-24D Liberator: The Consolidated B-24 Liberator was the most numerous American bomber of World War II (over 18,000 were produced). The NACA flew this B-24D at Langley before transferring it to the new NACA Aircraft Engine Research Laboratory in Cleveland, Ohio. The large hanger in the background is the Army Air Forces Lighter-than-Air hanger.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.nasaimages.org/luna/servlet/detail/nasaNAS~2~2~7836~109490" rel="nofollow">www.nasaimages.org/luna/servlet/detail/nasaNAS~2~2~7836~1...</a></p> Thu, 19 Jul 2012 14:41:52 -0700 1943-08-31T14:41:52-08:00 nobody@flickr.com (NASA on The Commons) tag:flickr.com,2004:/photo/7605917238 Consolidated B-24D Liberator <p>(August 31, 1943) Consolidated B-24D Liberator: The Consolidated B-24 Liberator was the most numerous American bomber of World War II (over 18,000 were produced). The NACA flew this B-24D at Langley before transferring it to the new NACA Aircraft Engine Research Laboratory in Cleveland, Ohio. The large hanger in the background is the Army Air Forces Lighter-than-Air hanger.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.nasaimages.org/luna/servlet/detail/nasaNAS~2~2~7836~109490" rel="nofollow">www.nasaimages.org/luna/servlet/detail/nasaNAS~2~2~7836~1...</a></p> NASA on The Commons airplane aircraft wwii nasa bomber liberator b24 1943 b24d naca wwiibomber b24liberator consolidatedb24liberator consolidatedb24d consolidatedb24 consolidatedaircraft consolidatedb24dliberator consolidatedliberator nasalangleyresearchcenter liberatorbomber http://www.flickr.com/commons/usage/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/nasacommons/7605910224/ <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/nasacommons/">NASA on The Commons</a> posted a photo:</p> <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nasacommons/7605910224/" title="D-558-2 Dropped from B-29 Mothership"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8018/7605910224_30f46bf637_m.jpg" width="240" height="188" alt="D-558-2 Dropped from B-29 Mothership" /></a></p> <p>(1956) The D-558-2 #2 is launched from the P2B-1 in this 1956 NACA High-Speed Flight Station photograph. The D-558 Phase Two aircraft was quite different from its Phase One predecessor, the Skystreak. German wartime aeronautical research records, reviewed in 1945 by Douglas Aircraft Company personnel, pointed to many advantages gained from incorporating sweptback wing design into future research aircraft. These findings along with wind tunnel studies performed by the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) at Langley Memorial Aeronautical Laboratory, resulted in the modification of the straight wing D-558-1 Skystreak contract to include investigation of sweptback wings. Three redesigned aircraft were built by Douglas Aircraft Company under a contract from the Navy Bureau of Aeronautics and named D-558-2 Skyrocket. Originally all three were designed for ground take-off and used mixed power propulsion systems, consisting of a turbojet engine for take-off and a rocket engine, for greater speed in flight. The early flight tests were made using only the turbojet engine with the rocket engines added, when available. As the flight program evolved, only one D-558-2 ended-up powered by a mixed rocket and turbo-jet propulsion system. From the experience gained during the X-1 rocket program and from Skyrocket mixed propulsion flights, the Navy and the NACA proceeded to have all three of the D-558-2 aircraft modified for air launching from a Navy-operated P2B-1 Superfortress (Navy version of the Air Force B-29), later becoming NACA 137. Although not designated an &quot;X vehicle,&quot; the D-558-2 was essentially an X-vehicle aircraft in design and function, and contributed much to aeronautics research.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://nasaimages.org/luna/servlet/detail/nasaNAS~5~5~22144~126786:D-558-2-Dropped-from-B-29-Mothershi" rel="nofollow">nasaimages.org/luna/servlet/detail/nasaNAS~5~5~22144~1267...</a></p> Thu, 19 Jul 2012 14:40:30 -0700 1956-01-01T00:00:00-08:00 nobody@flickr.com (NASA on The Commons) tag:flickr.com,2004:/photo/7605910224 D-558-2 Dropped from B-29 Mothership <p>(1956) The D-558-2 #2 is launched from the P2B-1 in this 1956 NACA High-Speed Flight Station photograph. The D-558 Phase Two aircraft was quite different from its Phase One predecessor, the Skystreak. German wartime aeronautical research records, reviewed in 1945 by Douglas Aircraft Company personnel, pointed to many advantages gained from incorporating sweptback wing design into future research aircraft. These findings along with wind tunnel studies performed by the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) at Langley Memorial Aeronautical Laboratory, resulted in the modification of the straight wing D-558-1 Skystreak contract to include investigation of sweptback wings. Three redesigned aircraft were built by Douglas Aircraft Company under a contract from the Navy Bureau of Aeronautics and named D-558-2 Skyrocket. Originally all three were designed for ground take-off and used mixed power propulsion systems, consisting of a turbojet engine for take-off and a rocket engine, for greater speed in flight. The early flight tests were made using only the turbojet engine with the rocket engines added, when available. As the flight program evolved, only one D-558-2 ended-up powered by a mixed rocket and turbo-jet propulsion system. From the experience gained during the X-1 rocket program and from Skyrocket mixed propulsion flights, the Navy and the NACA proceeded to have all three of the D-558-2 aircraft modified for air launching from a Navy-operated P2B-1 Superfortress (Navy version of the Air Force B-29), later becoming NACA 137. Although not designated an &quot;X vehicle,&quot; the D-558-2 was essentially an X-vehicle aircraft in design and function, and contributed much to aeronautics research.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://nasaimages.org/luna/servlet/detail/nasaNAS~5~5~22144~126786:D-558-2-Dropped-from-B-29-Mothershi" rel="nofollow">nasaimages.org/luna/servlet/detail/nasaNAS~5~5~22144~1267...</a></p> NASA on The Commons airplanes nasa 1956 aeronautics naca nasadrydenflightresearchcenter http://www.flickr.com/commons/usage/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/nasacommons/7605911498/ <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/nasacommons/">NASA on The Commons</a> posted a photo:</p> <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nasacommons/7605911498/" title="Vought O2U-1 Corsair"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7137/7605911498_7780f18d90_m.jpg" width="240" height="192" alt="Vought O2U-1 Corsair" /></a></p> <p>(August 2, 1928) Vought O2U-1 Corsair: Suspended from the roof of the NACA's hangar at Langley Field, this Vought O2U-1 Corsair retains its float undercarriage, a contrast to other O2Us flown by the NACA which were operated on wheeled landing gear.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://nasaimages.org/luna/servlet/detail/nasaNAS~2~2~5068~106690" rel="nofollow">nasaimages.org/luna/servlet/detail/nasaNAS~2~2~5068~106690</a></p> Thu, 19 Jul 2012 14:40:46 -0700 1928-08-02T14:40:46-08:00 nobody@flickr.com (NASA on The Commons) tag:flickr.com,2004:/photo/7605911498 Vought O2U-1 Corsair <p>(August 2, 1928) Vought O2U-1 Corsair: Suspended from the roof of the NACA's hangar at Langley Field, this Vought O2U-1 Corsair retains its float undercarriage, a contrast to other O2Us flown by the NACA which were operated on wheeled landing gear.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://nasaimages.org/luna/servlet/detail/nasaNAS~2~2~5068~106690" rel="nofollow">nasaimages.org/luna/servlet/detail/nasaNAS~2~2~5068~106690</a></p> NASA on The Commons airplane hangar nasa 1928 aeronautics naca aerodynamics nasalangleyresearchcenter http://www.flickr.com/commons/usage/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/nasacommons/7605921898/ <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/nasacommons/">NASA on The Commons</a> posted a photo:</p> <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nasacommons/7605921898/" title="Curtiss Hawk"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8151/7605921898_de0db33340_m.jpg" width="240" height="182" alt="Curtiss Hawk" /></a></p> <p>(1928) Curtiss Hawk with NACA Cowling in 1928.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.nasaimages.org/luna/servlet/detail/nasaNAS~5~5~22741~127141:Curtiss-Hawk-with-NACA-Cowling" rel="nofollow">www.nasaimages.org/luna/servlet/detail/nasaNAS~5~5~22741~...</a></p> Thu, 19 Jul 2012 14:42:50 -0700 1928-01-01T00:00:00-08:00 nobody@flickr.com (NASA on The Commons) tag:flickr.com,2004:/photo/7605921898 Curtiss Hawk <p>(1928) Curtiss Hawk with NACA Cowling in 1928.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.nasaimages.org/luna/servlet/detail/nasaNAS~5~5~22741~127141:Curtiss-Hawk-with-NACA-Cowling" rel="nofollow">www.nasaimages.org/luna/servlet/detail/nasaNAS~5~5~22741~...</a></p> NASA on The Commons nasa 1928 naca nasalangleyresearchcenter http://www.flickr.com/commons/usage/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/nasacommons/7605910990/ <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/nasacommons/">NASA on The Commons</a> posted a photo:</p> <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nasacommons/7605910990/" title="X-3 on Lakebed"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7265/7605910990_6c3662ee5c_m.jpg" width="240" height="214" alt="X-3 on Lakebed" /></a></p> <p>(1956) In this NACA High-Speed Flight Station photograph, the X-3 Stiletto is seen on the lakebed at Edwards Air Force Base. The X-3 Stiletto was a single-place jet aircraft with a slender fuselage and a long tapered nose, manufactured by the Douglas Aircraft Company. The X-3's primary mission was to investigate the design features of an aircraft suitable for sustained supersonic speeds, which included the first use of titanium in major airframe components. It was delivered to the NACA High-Speed Flight Station in August of 1954 after some Douglas and Air Force evaluation testing. The Douglas X-3, known as the Stiletto, was built to investigate the design of an aircraft suitable for sustained supersonic speeds. The X-3 was intended for sustained flight research above Mach 2, but was hampered by use of underpowered Westinghouse J34 turbojet engines which could not power the aircraft past Mach 1 in level flight. This aircraft was built by the Douglas Aircraft Company. The X-3 had, perhaps, the most highly refined supersonic airframe of its day as well as other important advances including one of the first machined structures. It included the first use of titanium in major airframe components. Its long fuselage gave the Stiletto a high-fineness ratio and a low-aspect ratio (the ratio of the wing's span to its chord; in other words, it was short and stubby). Despite this refined configuration, the maximum speed it attained was Mach 1.21, during a dive. The general consensus was that the aircraft was sluggish and extremely underpowered. The X-3 also demonstrated coupling instability during abrupt rolling maneuvers, which could cause it to go wildly out of control, as happened on a flight on October 27, 1954, with National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) pilot Joe Walker at the controls. The principle contribution of the X-3 was its data on inertial coupling (roll divergence)--a tendency to diverge from the intended flight path. The aircraft also shed its small tires routinely, leading to a revision of the design criteria for tires used on high-speed aircraft. This aircraft flew 20 times between 1954 and 1956 at the NACA High-Speed Flight Station (predecessor of NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards, California). Joe Walker was the pilot for all 20 of these missions. The X-3's first flight was in October 1952 with Douglas test pilot Bill Bridgeman in the cockpit. The Air Force completed a brief evaluation of the airplane in 1953 and 1954 before turning it over to the NACA in the summer of 1954.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://nasaimages.org/luna/servlet/detail/nasaNAS~2~2~2416~103844" rel="nofollow">nasaimages.org/luna/servlet/detail/nasaNAS~2~2~2416~103844</a></p> Thu, 19 Jul 2012 14:40:39 -0700 1956-01-01T00:00:00-08:00 nobody@flickr.com (NASA on The Commons) tag:flickr.com,2004:/photo/7605910990 X-3 on Lakebed <p>(1956) In this NACA High-Speed Flight Station photograph, the X-3 Stiletto is seen on the lakebed at Edwards Air Force Base. The X-3 Stiletto was a single-place jet aircraft with a slender fuselage and a long tapered nose, manufactured by the Douglas Aircraft Company. The X-3's primary mission was to investigate the design features of an aircraft suitable for sustained supersonic speeds, which included the first use of titanium in major airframe components. It was delivered to the NACA High-Speed Flight Station in August of 1954 after some Douglas and Air Force evaluation testing. The Douglas X-3, known as the Stiletto, was built to investigate the design of an aircraft suitable for sustained supersonic speeds. The X-3 was intended for sustained flight research above Mach 2, but was hampered by use of underpowered Westinghouse J34 turbojet engines which could not power the aircraft past Mach 1 in level flight. This aircraft was built by the Douglas Aircraft Company. The X-3 had, perhaps, the most highly refined supersonic airframe of its day as well as other important advances including one of the first machined structures. It included the first use of titanium in major airframe components. Its long fuselage gave the Stiletto a high-fineness ratio and a low-aspect ratio (the ratio of the wing's span to its chord; in other words, it was short and stubby). Despite this refined configuration, the maximum speed it attained was Mach 1.21, during a dive. The general consensus was that the aircraft was sluggish and extremely underpowered. The X-3 also demonstrated coupling instability during abrupt rolling maneuvers, which could cause it to go wildly out of control, as happened on a flight on October 27, 1954, with National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) pilot Joe Walker at the controls. The principle contribution of the X-3 was its data on inertial coupling (roll divergence)--a tendency to diverge from the intended flight path. The aircraft also shed its small tires routinely, leading to a revision of the design criteria for tires used on high-speed aircraft. This aircraft flew 20 times between 1954 and 1956 at the NACA High-Speed Flight Station (predecessor of NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards, California). Joe Walker was the pilot for all 20 of these missions. The X-3's first flight was in October 1952 with Douglas test pilot Bill Bridgeman in the cockpit. The Air Force completed a brief evaluation of the airplane in 1953 and 1954 before turning it over to the NACA in the summer of 1954.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://nasaimages.org/luna/servlet/detail/nasaNAS~2~2~2416~103844" rel="nofollow">nasaimages.org/luna/servlet/detail/nasaNAS~2~2~2416~103844</a></p> NASA on The Commons airplane aircraft aviation nasa 1956 xplane x3 naca douglasx3 nasadrydenflightresearchcenter experimentalflight douglasx3stiletto douglasstiletto http://www.flickr.com/commons/usage/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/nasacommons/7605920052/ <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/nasacommons/">NASA on The Commons</a> posted a photo:</p> <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nasacommons/7605920052/" title="Engine on Torque Stand"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8021/7605920052_12733167aa_m.jpg" width="192" height="240" alt="Engine on Torque Stand" /></a></p> <p>(April 15, 1944) Engine on Torque Stand at the Aircraft Engine Research Laboratory in Cleveland, Ohio, now known as the John H. Glenn Research Center at Lewis Field. Torque is the twisting motion produced by a spinning object.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.nasaimages.org/luna/servlet/detail/nasaNAS~5~5~21790~126521:Engine-on-Torque-Stand" rel="nofollow">www.nasaimages.org/luna/servlet/detail/nasaNAS~5~5~21790~...</a></p> Thu, 19 Jul 2012 14:42:27 -0700 1944-04-15T14:42:27-08:00 nobody@flickr.com (NASA on The Commons) tag:flickr.com,2004:/photo/7605920052 Engine on Torque Stand <p>(April 15, 1944) Engine on Torque Stand at the Aircraft Engine Research Laboratory in Cleveland, Ohio, now known as the John H. Glenn Research Center at Lewis Field. Torque is the twisting motion produced by a spinning object.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.nasaimages.org/luna/servlet/detail/nasaNAS~5~5~21790~126521:Engine-on-Torque-Stand" rel="nofollow">www.nasaimages.org/luna/servlet/detail/nasaNAS~5~5~21790~...</a></p> NASA on The Commons nasa 1944 naca nasaglennresearchcenter http://www.flickr.com/commons/usage/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/nasacommons/7605915688/ <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/nasacommons/">NASA on The Commons</a> posted a photo:</p> <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nasacommons/7605915688/" title="Evolution of the Airfoil"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7113/7605915688_1ba4f08307_m.jpg" width="192" height="240" alt="Evolution of the Airfoil" /></a></p> <p>The historical evolution of airfoil sections, 1908-1944. The last two shapes are low-drag sections designed to have laminar flow over 60 to 70 percent of chord on both the upper and lower surface.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://nasaimages.org/luna/servlet/detail/nasaNAS~5~5~22921~127201:Evolution-of-the-Airfoil" rel="nofollow">nasaimages.org/luna/servlet/detail/nasaNAS~5~5~22921~1272...</a></p> Thu, 19 Jul 2012 14:41:34 -0700 1944-01-01T00:00:00-08:00 nobody@flickr.com (NASA on The Commons) tag:flickr.com,2004:/photo/7605915688 Evolution of the Airfoil <p>The historical evolution of airfoil sections, 1908-1944. The last two shapes are low-drag sections designed to have laminar flow over 60 to 70 percent of chord on both the upper and lower surface.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://nasaimages.org/luna/servlet/detail/nasaNAS~5~5~22921~127201:Evolution-of-the-Airfoil" rel="nofollow">nasaimages.org/luna/servlet/detail/nasaNAS~5~5~22921~1272...</a></p> NASA on The Commons airplanes nasa 1900s aeronautics airfoil naca http://www.flickr.com/commons/usage/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/nasacommons/7605908764/ <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/nasacommons/">NASA on The Commons</a> posted a photo:</p> <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nasacommons/7605908764/" title="Sikorsky XPBS-1"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8007/7605908764_cee80b4b9c_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Sikorsky XPBS-1" /></a></p> <p>(August 25, 1939) Sikorsky XPBS-1: The Sikorsky XPBS-1 was a large four-engined flying boat ordered by the Navy in 1935. Although never ordered into production, the NACA evaluated the craft in 1938. Many aircraft were flown at Langley to give an appraisal from the highly experiences staff. These appraisals often meant that the aircraft was with the NACA only briefly.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://nasaimages.org/luna/servlet/detail/nasaNAS~2~2~1849~103262" rel="nofollow">nasaimages.org/luna/servlet/detail/nasaNAS~2~2~1849~103262</a></p> Thu, 19 Jul 2012 14:40:12 -0700 1939-08-25T14:40:12-08:00 nobody@flickr.com (NASA on The Commons) tag:flickr.com,2004:/photo/7605908764 Sikorsky XPBS-1 <p>(August 25, 1939) Sikorsky XPBS-1: The Sikorsky XPBS-1 was a large four-engined flying boat ordered by the Navy in 1935. Although never ordered into production, the NACA evaluated the craft in 1938. Many aircraft were flown at Langley to give an appraisal from the highly experiences staff. These appraisals often meant that the aircraft was with the NACA only briefly.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://nasaimages.org/luna/servlet/detail/nasaNAS~2~2~1849~103262" rel="nofollow">nasaimages.org/luna/servlet/detail/nasaNAS~2~2~1849~103262</a></p> NASA on The Commons airplanes nasa 1939 aeronautics naca nasalangleyresearchcenter http://www.flickr.com/commons/usage/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/nasacommons/7605920190/ <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/nasacommons/">NASA on The Commons</a> posted a photo:</p> <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nasacommons/7605920190/" title="Wing Flow Method"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8289/7605920190_dbeb1d4bae_m.jpg" width="240" height="165" alt="Wing Flow Method" /></a></p> <p>(January 19, 1946) Semispan airplane model and flow-direction vane mounted on wing of P-51D airplane for transonic tests by wing-flow method.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.nasaimages.org/luna/servlet/detail/nasaNAS~5~5~23017~127233:Wing-Flow-Method" rel="nofollow">www.nasaimages.org/luna/servlet/detail/nasaNAS~5~5~23017~...</a></p> Thu, 19 Jul 2012 14:42:29 -0700 1946-01-19T14:42:29-08:00 nobody@flickr.com (NASA on The Commons) tag:flickr.com,2004:/photo/7605920190 Wing Flow Method <p>(January 19, 1946) Semispan airplane model and flow-direction vane mounted on wing of P-51D airplane for transonic tests by wing-flow method.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.nasaimages.org/luna/servlet/detail/nasaNAS~5~5~23017~127233:Wing-Flow-Method" rel="nofollow">www.nasaimages.org/luna/servlet/detail/nasaNAS~5~5~23017~...</a></p> NASA on The Commons airplane nasa aeronautics 1946 naca nasalangleyresearchcenter http://www.flickr.com/commons/usage/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/nasacommons/7605918094/ <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/nasacommons/">NASA on The Commons</a> posted a photo:</p> <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nasacommons/7605918094/" title="XF-92A in Flight"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8001/7605918094_72ba3ac5ab_m.jpg" width="240" height="214" alt="XF-92A in Flight" /></a></p> <p>(1953) This NACA High-Speed Flight Research Station photograph of the XF-92A was taken around 1953 near Edwards Air Force Base. The photograph shows an aft view of the XF-92A in flight above a layer of clouds. The Convair XF-92A aircraft was powered by a Allison J33-A turbojet engine with an afterburner, and was unique in having America's first delta wing. The delta wing's large area, thin airfoil cross section, low weight, and structural strength gave this design a great potential for a supersonic airplane. The Consolidated Vultee Aircraft Corporation (Convair) XF-92A Dart was America's first delta wing aircraft. It was built as a test bed for a proposed interceptor that never materialized. The XF-92A was then continued to test the delta-wing concept. The delta wing's large area (425 square feet), thin airfoil cross section, low weight, and structural strength made a great combination for a supersonic aircraft. The aircraft was powered by an Allison J33-A-29 turbojet engine with an afterburner. Convair and the U.S. Air Force flew the XF-92A from 1948 to 1953. After the Air Force's plans for an interceptor failed to materialize, the NACA High-Speed Flight Research Station, which had supplied engineering, instrumentation, and operational assistance to the Air Force during its flights, took over the flight test program in 1953. A. Scott Crossfield flew all 25 NACA flights of the NACA's XF-92A program over a six-month test period. The original XF-92A ship had a severe pitch-up problem but was tested with different wing-fence combinations to gather data on their contribution to solving that problem. The pilot also reported that the aircraft was sluggish and underpowered. Besides validating the thin delta wing principle, the XF-92A played a major role in supporting the development of the Convair F-102A interceptor, the Air Force's first attempt at an all-weather, supersonic interceptor. In 1953, the XF-92A experienced a landing gear failure on rollout after landing at the NACA High-Speed Research Station and the aircraft was retired. The single-place XF-92A airplane had a delta wing swept at 60 degrees. It was 48.2 feet long, had a 31.3-foot wingspan, and was 17.5 feet high at the tip of the vertical stabilizer. It was controlled by a conventional rudder and full-span elevons that functioned as elevators and ailerons.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.nasaimages.org/luna/servlet/detail/nasaNAS~2~2~2950~104473" rel="nofollow">www.nasaimages.org/luna/servlet/detail/nasaNAS~2~2~2950~1...</a></p> Thu, 19 Jul 2012 14:42:03 -0700 1953-01-01T00:00:00-08:00 nobody@flickr.com (NASA on The Commons) tag:flickr.com,2004:/photo/7605918094 XF-92A in Flight <p>(1953) This NACA High-Speed Flight Research Station photograph of the XF-92A was taken around 1953 near Edwards Air Force Base. The photograph shows an aft view of the XF-92A in flight above a layer of clouds. The Convair XF-92A aircraft was powered by a Allison J33-A turbojet engine with an afterburner, and was unique in having America's first delta wing. The delta wing's large area, thin airfoil cross section, low weight, and structural strength gave this design a great potential for a supersonic airplane. The Consolidated Vultee Aircraft Corporation (Convair) XF-92A Dart was America's first delta wing aircraft. It was built as a test bed for a proposed interceptor that never materialized. The XF-92A was then continued to test the delta-wing concept. The delta wing's large area (425 square feet), thin airfoil cross section, low weight, and structural strength made a great combination for a supersonic aircraft. The aircraft was powered by an Allison J33-A-29 turbojet engine with an afterburner. Convair and the U.S. Air Force flew the XF-92A from 1948 to 1953. After the Air Force's plans for an interceptor failed to materialize, the NACA High-Speed Flight Research Station, which had supplied engineering, instrumentation, and operational assistance to the Air Force during its flights, took over the flight test program in 1953. A. Scott Crossfield flew all 25 NACA flights of the NACA's XF-92A program over a six-month test period. The original XF-92A ship had a severe pitch-up problem but was tested with different wing-fence combinations to gather data on their contribution to solving that problem. The pilot also reported that the aircraft was sluggish and underpowered. Besides validating the thin delta wing principle, the XF-92A played a major role in supporting the development of the Convair F-102A interceptor, the Air Force's first attempt at an all-weather, supersonic interceptor. In 1953, the XF-92A experienced a landing gear failure on rollout after landing at the NACA High-Speed Research Station and the aircraft was retired. The single-place XF-92A airplane had a delta wing swept at 60 degrees. It was 48.2 feet long, had a 31.3-foot wingspan, and was 17.5 feet high at the tip of the vertical stabilizer. It was controlled by a conventional rudder and full-span elevons that functioned as elevators and ailerons.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.nasaimages.org/luna/servlet/detail/nasaNAS~2~2~2950~104473" rel="nofollow">www.nasaimages.org/luna/servlet/detail/nasaNAS~2~2~2950~1...</a></p> NASA on The Commons nasa 1953 aeronautics naca f92 nasadrydenflightresearchcenter xf92 experimentalflight http://www.flickr.com/commons/usage/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/nasacommons/7605918566/ <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/nasacommons/">NASA on The Commons</a> posted a photo:</p> <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nasacommons/7605918566/" title="The Wright Brothers' First Heavier-than-air Flight"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8155/7605918566_974b2b35c2_m.jpg" width="240" height="191" alt="The Wright Brothers' First Heavier-than-air Flight" /></a></p> <p>(December 17, 1903) On December 17, 1903, at 10:30 am at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, this airplane arose for a few seconds to make the first powered, heavier-than-air controlled flight in history. The first flight lasted 12 seconds and flew a distance of 120 feet. Orville Wright piloted the historic flight while his brother, Wilbur, observed. The brothers took three other flights that day, each flight lasting longer than the other with the final flight going a distance of 852 feet in 59 seconds. This flight was the culmination of a number of years of research on gliders. <br /> <br /> Orville and Wilbur Wright's curiosity with flight began in 1878 when their father, Milton, gave them a rubber band powered toy helicopter. Although they were never formally educated, the self-taught engineers constantly experimented with kites and gliders. Bicycle shop owners by occupation, the brothers spent years designing, testing and redesigning their gliders and planes. After the successful flights of December 17, 1903, Orville and Wilbur continued to perfect their plane. In 1909 the Army Signal Corps purchased a Wright Flyer, creating the first military airplane. Although Wilbur passed away May 30, 1912, from typhoid fever, Orville remained an active promoter of aviation until his death on January 30, 1948. <br /> <br /> The Air Age truly began with that historic flight on December 17, 1903. In 1908 the Wright Brothers designed the first military aircraft for the Army Signal Corps. Seven years later, in 1915, the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) became the nations leading aviation research organization, of which Orville was a member for 28 years. As the airplane became more aerodynamic and technically advanced, its uses expanded into many different directions. Military aircraft played significant roles in both World War I and World War II. The airplane made worldwide travel and exploration possible. Spaceflight would never have been realized without the pioneering achievements of the Wright Brothers.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.nasaimages.org/luna/servlet/detail/nasaNAS~5~5~20091~125273:The-Wright-Brothers-First-Heavier-t" rel="nofollow">www.nasaimages.org/luna/servlet/detail/nasaNAS~5~5~20091~...</a></p> Thu, 19 Jul 2012 14:42:09 -0700 1903-12-17T14:42:09-08:00 nobody@flickr.com (NASA on The Commons) tag:flickr.com,2004:/photo/7605918566 The Wright Brothers' First Heavier-than-air Flight <p>(December 17, 1903) On December 17, 1903, at 10:30 am at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, this airplane arose for a few seconds to make the first powered, heavier-than-air controlled flight in history. The first flight lasted 12 seconds and flew a distance of 120 feet. Orville Wright piloted the historic flight while his brother, Wilbur, observed. The brothers took three other flights that day, each flight lasting longer than the other with the final flight going a distance of 852 feet in 59 seconds. This flight was the culmination of a number of years of research on gliders. <br /> <br /> Orville and Wilbur Wright's curiosity with flight began in 1878 when their father, Milton, gave them a rubber band powered toy helicopter. Although they were never formally educated, the self-taught engineers constantly experimented with kites and gliders. Bicycle shop owners by occupation, the brothers spent years designing, testing and redesigning their gliders and planes. After the successful flights of December 17, 1903, Orville and Wilbur continued to perfect their plane. In 1909 the Army Signal Corps purchased a Wright Flyer, creating the first military airplane. Although Wilbur passed away May 30, 1912, from typhoid fever, Orville remained an active promoter of aviation until his death on January 30, 1948. <br /> <br /> The Air Age truly began with that historic flight on December 17, 1903. In 1908 the Wright Brothers designed the first military aircraft for the Army Signal Corps. Seven years later, in 1915, the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) became the nations leading aviation research organization, of which Orville was a member for 28 years. As the airplane became more aerodynamic and technically advanced, its uses expanded into many different directions. Military aircraft played significant roles in both World War I and World War II. The airplane made worldwide travel and exploration possible. Spaceflight would never have been realized without the pioneering achievements of the Wright Brothers.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.nasaimages.org/luna/servlet/detail/nasaNAS~5~5~20091~125273:The-Wright-Brothers-First-Heavier-t" rel="nofollow">www.nasaimages.org/luna/servlet/detail/nasaNAS~5~5~20091~...</a></p> NASA on The Commons airplane aircraft flight nasa wrightbrothers biplane aeronautics 1903 naca experimentalflight http://www.flickr.com/commons/usage/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/nasacommons/7605908022/ <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/nasacommons/">NASA on The Commons</a> posted a photo:</p> <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nasacommons/7605908022/" title="Curtiss JN-4 &quot;Jenny&quot; Aircraft With Model Wing Suspended"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7247/7605908022_abce20d40d_m.jpg" width="240" height="176" alt="Curtiss JN-4 &quot;Jenny&quot; Aircraft With Model Wing Suspended" /></a></p> <p>(June 22, 1921) Active aircraft biplane, NACA 29-38131, with model wing suspended during flight.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://nasaimages.org/luna/servlet/detail/nasaNAS~5~5~22675~127119:Curtiss-JN-4--Jenny--Aircraft-With-" rel="nofollow">nasaimages.org/luna/servlet/detail/nasaNAS~5~5~22675~1271...</a></p> Thu, 19 Jul 2012 14:40:04 -0700 1921-06-22T14:40:04-08:00 nobody@flickr.com (NASA on The Commons) tag:flickr.com,2004:/photo/7605908022 Curtiss JN-4 "Jenny" Aircraft With Model Wing Suspended <p>(June 22, 1921) Active aircraft biplane, NACA 29-38131, with model wing suspended during flight.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://nasaimages.org/luna/servlet/detail/nasaNAS~5~5~22675~127119:Curtiss-JN-4--Jenny--Aircraft-With-" rel="nofollow">nasaimages.org/luna/servlet/detail/nasaNAS~5~5~22675~1271...</a></p> NASA on The Commons airplane nasa 1921 aeronautics naca nasalangleyresearchcenter http://www.flickr.com/commons/usage/