
Dale Reed with a model of the M2-F1 in front of the actual lifting body. Reed used the model to show the potential of the lifting bodies. He first flew it into tall grass to test stability and trim, then hand-launched it from buildings for longer flights. Finally, he towed the lifting-body model aloft using a powered model airplane known as the "Mothership." A timer released the model and it glided to a landing. Dale's wife Donna used a 9 mm. camera to film the flights of the model. Its stability as it glided--despite its lack of wings--convinced Milt Thompson and some Flight Research Center engineers including the center director, Paul Bikle, that a piloted lifting body was possible.
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NASA ID
E-16475
Date Created
March 6, 1967
Center
AFRC
Media Type
image
Photographer
NASA
Location
AFRC
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Often called the "Father of the Lifting Bodies," NASA aerospace engineer Dale Reed enjoys a moment in the cockpit of the restored wingless M2-F1 in 1997.
Nov 4, 1997
NASA Pilot Bruce Peterson in the cockpit of the restored M2-F1 Lifting Body.
Nov 4, 1997
M2-F2 on ramp
Feb 24, 1966
M2-F2 cockpit instrument panels
Mar 27, 1966