E-19041
Model airplane builders James B. Newman and Robert L. McDonald prepare for a flight with models of the M2-F2 and a “Mothership”. In 1968 a test flight was made on the Rosamond dry lakebed, Rosamond, CA.
The original idea of lifting bodies was conceived about 1957 by Dr. Alfred J. Eggers, Jr., then the assistant director for Research and Development Analysis and Planning at the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics’ Ames Aeronautical Laboratory, Moffett Field, CA. Nose cone studies led to the design known as the M-2, a modified half-cone, rounded on the bottom and flat on top, with a blunt, rounded nose and twin tail fins.
To gather flight data on this configuration, models were found to be an effective method. A special twin-engined, 14-foot model “mothership” was used for carrying the M2-F2 model to altitude and a launch, much as was being done with the B-52 for the full-scale lifting bodies. Jim (on the left) would fly the “mothership” and Bob would take control of the M2-F2 at launch and fly it to a landing on the lakebed.June 26, 1968NASA Photo › Read M2-F2 Project Description