Dryden Flight Research Center Collection

Dryden research aircraft fleet on ramp, USA, 1997. Creator: NASA
Dryden research aircraft fleet on ramp, USA, 1997. A collection of NASAs research aircraft at the Dryden Flight Research Center in California: X-31, F-15 ACTIVE, SR-71, F-106, F-16XL Ship #2, X-38

President Reagan at STS-4 landing, California, USA, 1982. Creator: NASA
President Reagan at STS-4 landing, California, USA, 1982. US President Ronald Reagan greets the crew of STS-4 (Thomas K. Mattingly II and Henry W)

Pathfinder aircraft test flight, USA, July 27, 1995. Creator: NASA
Pathfinder aircraft test flight, USA, July 27, 1995. The Pathfinder was one of several unmanned aircraft being evaluated under NASAs Environmental Research Aircraft and Sensor Technology (ERAST)

Space Shuttle and 747 carrier plane in Mate-Demate Device. Creator: NASA
Space Shuttle and 747 carrier plane in Mate-Demate Device. Mate-Demate Device (MDD) at NASAs Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards, California, USA

Autonomous airborne refuelling testing C016 / 0584
Autonomous airborne refuelling testing. F-18 Hornet aircraft being refuelled in mid-air during a flight to test autonomous airborne refuelling technology

The NACA Test Force
The fleet of NACA test aircraft are assembled in front of the hangar at the High Speed Flight Station, (later renamed the Dryden Flight Research Center) in Edwards, California

Accelerometers and sensors cover the Active Aeroelastic Wing of an F / A-18 test aircraft
The upper wing surfaces of the Active Aeroelastic Wing F/A-18 test aircraft are covered with accelerometers and other sensors during ground vibration tests at the Dryden Flight Research Center

Neil Armstrong, US astronaut C014 / 1087
Neil Alden Armstrong (1930-2012), US astronaut and first person to walk on the Moon. Armstrong was a military pilot and later test pilot at NACAs High-Speed Flight Station at Edwards Air Force Base

Test pilots and X-1E aircraft, 1962 C014 / 1089
Test pilots and X-1E aircraft. US test pilots on 2 October 1962 in front of the X-1E supersonic aircraft at NACAs High-Speed Flight Station at Edwards Air Force Base

F-107A airplane, NASA testing, 1959 C016 / 0600
F-107A airplane, on Rogers Dry Lakebed at Edwards Air Force Base, California, USA. This prototype jet fighter-bomber (never entering production)

XF-92A delta-wing aircraft, 1953
XF-92A delta-wing aircraft, on a flight from NACA's High-Speed Flight Research Station, Edwards Air Force Base, California, USA

Global Hawk unmanned aerial vehicle C016 / 0597
Global Hawk unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). This aircraft has a wingspan of 35 metres. Developed between 2001 and 2005 by Northrop Grumman for US military surveillance

DROID aircraft collision avoidance tests C016 / 0599
DROID aircraft collision avoidance tests. NASAs Dryden Remotely Operated Integrated Drone (DROID) aircraft in flight during testing of a ground collision avoidance system

X-45A Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle C016 / 0590
X-45A Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle test flight. This was the sixth flight of X-45A, the first Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle (UCAV) technology demonstrator

XB-70 Valkyrie supersonic aircraft, 1965 C016 / 0591
XB-70 Valkyrie supersonic aircraft. This is the first version of this 1960s US supersonic aircraft, the XB-70A (62-0001). Here

Super Guppy Turbine cargo aircraft C016 / 0586
Super Guppy Turbine cargo aircraft. NASAs B377SGT, the Super Guppy Turbine cargo aircraft, taking off from Edwards Air Force Base, California, USA

ER-2 high-altitude research aircraft C016 / 0593
ER-2 high-altitude research aircraft. One of NASAs two ER-2 (Earth Resources 2) high-altitude research aircraft seen in clear skies over Californias Mojave Desert as it descends for landing at Air

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The Dryden Flight Research Center, located in California, USA, has been a hub of innovation and exploration since its establishment. On September 14th, the Tier 3 DarkStar was proudly displayed on the ramp at Dryden. This cutting-edge aircraft represents the center's commitment to pushing boundaries and advancing aerospace technology. In 1997, the Dryden research aircraft fleet graced the ramp with their presence. These remarkable machines symbolize years of dedication and countless hours of research conducted by NASA scientists and engineers. Their presence serves as a reminder of how far we have come in our pursuit of knowledge. One iconic moment captured on film is President Reagan's visit to witness the landing of STS-4 in 1982. The excitement and pride are palpable as he witnesses firsthand the incredible achievements made possible by NASA's endeavors. Another significant event documented is the Pathfinder aircraft test flight that took place on July 27th, 1995. This milestone marked a crucial step towards revolutionizing aviation technology and paved the way for future advancements. The image showcasing a Space Shuttle alongside a colossal carrier plane within Mate-Demate Device highlights NASA's ability to tackle complex logistical challenges effortlessly. It exemplifies their expertise in handling intricate operations necessary for space exploration missions. Furthermore, autonomous airborne refueling testing demonstrates NASA's continuous efforts to develop innovative solutions for aerial refueling techniques – an essential aspect of long-duration flights and deep-space missions. The X-48C Hybrid Wing Body aircraft soaring over Rogers Dry Lake at Edwards Air Force Base showcases both beauty and functionality combined seamlessly into one magnificent creation. Its manta ray-like shape captivates viewers while representing groundbreaking aerodynamic design principles employed by NASA researchers. As this extraordinary aircraft flies over intersecting runways adjacent to a compass rose or against a backdrop of Earth meeting sky at Edwards AFB, it reminds us that there are no limits when it comes to scientific exploration.