The Northrop M2-F3 was rebuilt from the M2-F2 at Northrop and redesignated the M2-F3 after the M2-F2 crashed at the Dryden Flight Research Center in 1967. It was modified with an additional third vertical fin - centered between the tip fins - to improve control characteristics. The "M" refers to "manned" and "F" refers to "flight" version.
Early flight testing of the M2-F1 and M2-F2 lifting body reentry configurations had validated the concept of...
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Northrop M2-F3
Aircraft
Manufacturer
Northrop Corporation
The Northrop Corporation was a leading United States aircraft manufacturer from its formation in 1939 until its merger with Grumman to form Northrop Grumman in 1994. The company is known for its development of the flying wing design, although only a few of these have entered service.
Jack Northrop...
Used By
Comparable Aircraft
Retired:
- Dec 20, 1972
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