The NASA M2-F1 is a lightweight, unpowered prototype aircraft, developed to flight-test the wingless lifting body concept. Its unusual appearance earned it the nickname "flying bathtub" and was designated the M2-F1, the M referring to "manned", and F referring to "flight" version.

2013年9月9日 · The vehicle that began the era – the M2-F1 – was an unlikely forerunner to the shuttle. The world’s first manned lifting body, the M2-F1 was made of wood, had an internal framework of steel tubes, looked like a bathtub sitting on a tricycle, and had no wings.

2014年2月28日 · The Pioneering M2-F1. In 1962, Flight Research Center Director Paul Bikle approved a program to build a lightweight, unpowered lifting body as a prototype to flight test the wingless concept. It would look like a “flying bathtub,” and was designated the M2-F1.

2014年6月20日 · More than 400 ground tows and 77 aircraft tow flights were carried out with the M2-F1 before it was retired. A historical artifact now owned by the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, the M2-F1 is on long-term loan to NASA …

The M2-F1 proved the lifting body concept and lead the way for subsequent, metal "heavyweight" designs. Chuck Yeager, Bruce Peterson and Don Mallick also flew the M2-F1. More than 400 ground tows and over 100 aircraft tow flights were carried out with the M2-F1.

2002年2月6日 · In 1962, Flight Research Center management approved a program to build a lightweight, unpowered lifting body as a prototype to flight test the wingless concept. It would look like a "flying bathtub," and was designated the M2-F1, the "M" referring to "manned" and "F" referring to "flight" version.

2024年11月22日 · Designed in 1962 and first flown in 1963, NASA 's M2-F1 "lifting body" aircraft stands out not only due to its unconventional design but also for its significant contributions to aerospace technology. Dubbed the "flying bathtub," this peculiar plane paved the way for future NASA spacecraft.

The M2-F1 was made of wood, had an internal framework of steel tubes, looked like a bathtub sitting on a tricycle. M2-F2 didn't use wings to produce lift. Aircraft was designed in such way that it used air flowing over its body to produce lift.

2013年6月5日 · The vehicle that began the era – the M2-F1 – was an unlikely forerunner to the shuttle. The world’s first manned lifting body, the M2-F1 was made of wood, had an internal framework of steel tubes, looked like a bathtub sitting on a tricycle, and had no wings.

2002年2月6日 · The M2-F1 Lifting Body is seen here testing its "instant L/D rocket" on the lakebed at NASA's Flight Research Center (later redesignated the Dryden Flight Research Center), Edwards, California. The M2-F1 was an experimental aircraft.