In the 1940s and 50s, researchers at NASA Lewis supported experimental missile research with test flights to understand drag and aerodynamic heating.
Research Pilot Bill Swann prepares for a missile research flight on the Martin B-57B Canberra aircraft. The Lewis Flight Research Program had supported the lab’s experimental missile research since the mid-1940s. These flight tests initially focused on the rocket engines that powered the missiles, but in the mid-1950s began investigating drag and aerodynamic heating. The experimental missiles were installed on different NACA aircraft and launched over the Atlantic Ocean near Wallops Island. The B-57B took over the launches in July 1958.