E-2248
This photograph taken in 1956 shows the first of three Douglas R4D Skytrain aircraft on the ramp behind the NACA High-Speed Flight Station. NACA stood for the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics, which evolved into the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in 1958. The R4D Skytrain was one of the work horses for NACA and NASA at Edwards AFB from 1952 to 1984. Over the 32 years three R4D aircraft served as shuttle craft hauling personnel and equipment between NACA/NASA Centers, and test locations in and out of California. The R4D was used for the first “air tow” of the M2-F1, a lifting body built of mahogany plywood. The R4D provided approximately 100 tows before the M2-F1 was retired for more advanced lifting bodies dropped from a NASA modified B-52.May 2, 1956NASA Photo / NASA› R4D Project Description