Four F/A-18 Hornet aircraft are being flown by NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center, Edwards, CA, for research support and pilot proficiency. The aircraft were obtained from the U.S. Navy between 1984 and 1991. Two have a two-seat cockpit while the others are single-seat aircraft. 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.
Chase aircraft also are used as camera platforms for research missions that must be photographed or videotaped. Pictorial coverage – photos, motion pictures, and videotape – is used extensively by aeronautical engineers to monitor and verify various aspects of the research project…Learn more
F/A-18 #842 is now on display at the entrance of Lancaster Municipal Stadium (commonly referred to as “The Hangar”) in Lancaster, California. The stadium is home to the Lancaster Jethawks, a minor league baseball team affiliated with the Houston Astros.