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The M2-F2/F3 was the first of the heavy-weight, entry-configuration lifting bodies. Over 27 missions, the M2-F3 reached a top speed of 1,064 mph (Mach 1.6). Highest altitude reached by vehicle was 71,500 feet on Dec. 21, 1972, the date of its last flight, with NASA pilot John Manke at the controls. NASA donated The M2-F3 vehicle to the Smithsonian Institute in December 1973.
| DFRC Photo # |
Photo Date |
Image Description |
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M2-F3 Photo Collection Contact Sheet |
| E-21528 |
June 19, 1970 |
M2-F3 on lakebed |
| E-21533 |
June 19, 1970 |
M2-F3 on lakebed |
| ECN-2368 |
May 6, 1970 |
M2-F3 cockpit instrument panel |
| ECN-2461 |
June 20, 1970 |
M2-F3 on lakebed |
| EC71-2774 |
August 10, 1971 |
M2-F3 in-flight launch from B-52 |
| ECN-2353 |
1969 |
3 Lifting Bodies on lakebed (X-24A, M2-F3, HL-10) |
| E-21115 |
1969 |
3 Lifting Bodies on lakebed (X-24A, M2-F3, HL-10) |
| ECN-3448 |
December 20, 1972 |
M2-F3 with test pilot John A. Manke |
| E-22901 |
1971 |
Lifting body pilots - Gerry Gentry, John Manke, Bill Dana, Cecil Powell with M2-F3 in background |
| E-25161 |
1972 |
M2 research team 100th flight observation photo |
Lifting Bodies Fact Sheet
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