This 45-second video taken August 21, 2001 shows NASA's F-15B Transonic Flight Research Testbed aircraft in flight over California's Mojave Desert and its approach to Edwards Air Force Base.
Flight research carried out by NASA Dryden Flight Research Center (now Armstrong) with a highly modified F-15B aircraft demonstrated and evaluated advanced integrated flight and propulsion control system technologies that will help make next-generation aircraft more maneuverable, more fuel efficient, and safer to fly.
The NASA F-15B was the first aircraft to demonstrate a fully integrated inlet-engine-flight control system, a self-repairing flight control system, and a propulsion-only flight control system.
The F-15B was designed as twin-engine air superiority fighter by McDonnell Aircraft Co., McDonnell Douglas Corporation, St. Louis, MO. The F-15B is normally powered by two Pratt and Whitney F100-PW-100 or 220 engines, depending on the model. The NASA F-15B was equipped with advanced versions of the F100 -- F100 EMD (engine model derivative).
The aircraft was capable of flying more than twice the speed of sound. The F-15 is 63.75 feet long and has a wingspan of 42.83 feet. The NASA F-15 was extensively modified for research activities and did not carry any armament.
To learn more about NASA's F-15B Testbed visit: [ Ссылка ]
