This week continues the NASA research planes theme with the “lifting body” aircraft. In my opinion, never did any A and B model differ by so much as the X-24A and X-24B.

Here the X-24A is on the far left.

The X-24B is rigged for a drop test, a means of demonstrating landing gear design loads.

Finally, the X-24B lands on the lakebed with the F-104N in chase.
__________________________________________________
Airplanes by Design features photographs of aircraft from a test pilot perspective, highlighting aeronautical engineering characteristics and flight test facts. To see all of the these pictures (and many more of this aircraft and it’s unique design characteristics), click here. You will always be able to access any of these pictures by selecting the Flickr icon in the top menu bar.
WANTED: Your pictures and videos.
Send a message to @FlightTestFact on Twitter to share your Airplanes by Design stories and photos. See more Flight Test photos on Pinterest too.






