The modified BQM-34 Firebee II drone with Aeroelastic Research Wing (ARW-1), a supercritical airfoil, during a 1980 research flight.
EC80-14090
The modified BQM-34 Firebee II drone with Aeroelastic Research Wing (ARW-1), a supercritical airfoil, during a 1980 research flight. The remotely-piloted vehicle, which was air launched from NASA’s NB-52B mothership, participated in the Drones for Aerodynamic and Structural Testing (DAST) project which ran from 1977 to 1983. The DAST 1 aircraft (Serial #72-1557), pictured, crashed on 12 June 1980 after its right wing ripped off during a test flight near Cuddeback Dry Lake, Calif. The crash occurred on the modified drone’s third free flight.June 12, 1980NASA Photo / NASA photo› DAST Project Description