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M2-FI 'LIFTING BODY' METAL WIND TUNNEL MODEL

Magnificent aluminum, steel & brass wind tunnel model likely from the early 1960s. The M2-F1 is an early variant of the 'Lifting Body' series developed by NASA. This 6x4.25"x2.5" model has the correct fittings for wind tunnel testing. NASA's lifting body research formed the basis for the design of the Space Shuttle Transportation System. It is interesting to note that the introduction to the television series: 'The Six Million Dollar Man' showed the M-2-F2 (successor to this model) being piloted by Bruce Peterson, crashing and tumbling violently along the Edwards AFB dry lakebed runway. Peterson survived that accident to fly again. The M2-F1 was a light weight, unpowered prototype aircraft developed to flight test the wingless lifting body concept. Most test flights of the M2-F1 were piloted by Milt Thompson, but Bruce Peterson also flew the craft many times as did several other test pilots. This is a rare concept wind tunnel model that provides the link between the ballistic reentry systems of the Mercury through Apollo programs and the controlled landings of the Shuttle era. A true piece of history. Comes with an 9"x5"x4.5" Plexiglass display case with mirror-finished base. A great showpiece.

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