McDonnell Douglas F/A-18B Hornet, N846NA / 0023/B006, NASA
This picture is © Martin Laycock and may not be used or published without permission.
Registration: N846NA
Construction Number: 0023/B006
Code Number: 846 / 161355
Military Unit: AMES-Dryden Flight Research Facility
Model McDonnell Douglas F/A-18B Hornet
Operator: NASA
Airport: Edwards AFB (EDW / KEDW), USA - California
Photographer: Martin Laycock
Date Taken: 07/05/1993
Date Submitted: 17/01/2009
This Lot 4 F/A-18B is Bu.No. 161355 and is an ex-Blue Angels machine. It was photographed in the hangar at the Hugh L. Dryden Flight Research Facility. In the mid to late 1980s, the US Navy transferred eight F/A-18As and one F/A-18B to NASA for use as chase and proficiency aircraft. They eventually replaced all of the F-104 Starfighters that had previously been operated by NASA in the chase role. NASA has also used its Hornets for a variety of research programmes, the first being the High Alpha Research Vehicle (HARV) programme which began in 1987 to test operating at high angles-of-attack.
Picture ID:1153335