NASA Flow Visualization

[Fredbob711]

https://www.youtube.com/embed/6s-fWpA0Fxo?wmode=transparent&rel=0&autohide=1&showinfo=0&enablejsapi=1

Some awesome planes in this video. One of my favorite NASA planes, the X-29 is in here. I had no idea NASA flew an SR-71 for a while.

And what the heck is the YC-14 at about 2:43?

 

[Yellowbird]

...
And what the heck is the YC-14 at about 2:43?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boeing_YC-14

The Pima Air and Space Museum has one of the two prototypes, the other is on display at Davis-Monthan AFB.

 

[Henning]

Neat video.

The YC-14 uses thrust over the top of the wing to amplify lift, the Soviets used a similar design in some STOL transports as well as a couple of the ekranoplan designs. The engine placement also reduces FOD risk.

I have heard tell that the NASA SR-71 (although IIRC they actually have an A-12) high altitude research program has never officially ended and they maintain a plane in a flight capable status. Also heard tell that the funding is CIA. Not too sure about the veracity, but following redundancy theory, it would make decent enough sense. Sometimes you just need a really fast plane.

 

[MAKG1]

NASA flew two SR-71s out of Dryden for several years after the Air Force gave them up. They still fly two U-2s out of Palmdale.

NASA has a long history of using surplus aircraft no one else wants. Palmdale also has a DC-8 and 747SP, Dryden has at least one F-15, and Langley has the serial #1 737.

 

[kgruber]

NASA isn't picky. They even used the TU-144LL.