Neil Armstrong Air and Space Museum, Wapakanetta

F-5D Skylancer

Neil Armstrong, former Navy pilot, flew this plane from September, 1960 to September, 1962.  The plane was used in research by NASA.  They were developing information and technology which would later be used in the space shuttle.  It was called Project Dyna-Soar.

F-5D air intake

Tail Hook

When I saw the tail-hook I wondered if Neil had been a Navy pilot.  Later research revealed that he had.  He was, however; a civilian when he worked for NASA.  Can you imagine the rush!  The Federal Government mainly gave him this plane to fly as his own for those years.

After Burner

Wikipedia says that the plane had an engine upgrade to a General Electric J79.  Maximum speed: 990 mph,  Service ceiling: 57,500 ft,  Rate of climb: 20,730 ft/min.  Compared to civilian planes flown today,  this was quite a ride!

Anyone that I know, did you become a pilot, military or otherwise?

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