Dates

Event

Constructed as a M2-F2.

1966

Taken on Strength/Charge with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration with s/n 803.

24 February 1966

Photographer: NASA Dryden Flight Research Cent

23 March 1966

First flight.
First captive flight attached to a B-52.

12 July 1966

First flight.
First free gliding flight, piloted by Milton O. Thompson, dropped from a B-52 at 40,000.

From 19 July 1966 to 10 May 1967

Made fifteen more unpowered glide flights.

10 May 1967

Crashed.
Pilot lost control landing, leading to destructive crash.

10 May 1967

Photographer: NASA Dryden Flight Research Cent

From 1967 to 1970

Remanufactured as a M2-F3.
Rebuilt with third fin for better stability.

2 June 1970

First flight.
First flight as M2-F3.

19 June 1970

Photographer: NASA Dryden Flight Research Cent
Notes: After a three-year-long redesign and rebuilding effort, the M2-F3 was ready to fly.

19 June 1970

Photographer: NASA Dryden Flight Research Cent

25 November 1970

First flight.
First powered flight.

20 December 1972

Last flight.
27th and last flight; reached highest altitude of 71,500 feet.

December 1973

To Smithsonian-National Air and Space Museum, Washington, DC.
Donated by NASA.
View the Location Dossier

11 June 1991

Photographer: Glenn Chatfield