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The first of three F-15D Eagles that were transferred from the U.S. Air Force to NASA’s Dryden Flight Research Center peeled off formation to enter the landing pattern over Edwards Air Force Base. The high-performance tactical fighter aircraft were transferred from Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida to NASA Dryden on Sept. 21, 2010 for use in flight research and mission support. NASA research support aircraft are commonly called chase planes and fill the role of escort aircraft during research missions. Chase pilots are in constant radio contact with research pilots and serve as an “extra set of eyes” to help maintain total flight safety during specific tests and maneuvers. They monitor certain events for the research pilot and are an important safety feature on all research missions.September 21, 2010
NASA Photo / Carla Thomas