With its afterburners roaring, NASA research pilot Jim Smolka pulls NASA's highly modified NF-15B research aircraft into a steep climb after takeoff from Edwards Air Force Base on its final flight. Built in 1973 as the first two-seat TF-15, the canard-equipped aircraft with its brilliant red, white and blue plumage has been flown in several significant research and test programs for the U.S. Air Force, McDonnell Douglas and NASA over its almost 36-year lifetime, the last 14 years with NASA Dryden Flight Research Center.
NASA/Tony Landis
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