From The Archives: Northrop’s M2-F2 Lifting Body Mated To Wing Of Boeing B-52

The cover of Aviation Week & Space Technology’s Oct. 11, 1965, issue featured Northrop Corp.'s M2-F2 lifting body research vehicle mated to the wing of a Boeing B-52 at NASA’s Flight Research Center in Edwards, California. 

The operation was performed to determine the structural rigidity of the M2-F2 mated through an M2 adapter to the B-52's X-15 launch pylon, to conduct vibration tests and check clearances of the research vehicle at the adapter and the pylon. 

The pyramidal shape between the flat deck of the M2-F2 and the flared B-52 pylon was the faired portion of an adapter developed by Northrop. 

The entire cockpit was kept forward of the adapter and the B-52 wing to provide an unobstructed path should the pilot have to eject while the M2-F2 was mated to the B-52.

See more images on page 83, and read the full issue dated October 11 1965 | Aviation Week.

Enjoy unlimited access to the complete Aviation Week Archive, which features over 100 Years of Aviation Week content at your fingertips.

Every issue, every page, every article we have ever published. Your subscription includes full access to the archives, plus current Aviation Week & Space Technology articles (both digital and print packages available).