50 Strangest Aircraft Ever Made

M2-F1

nasa.gov

The M2-F1 was an attempt by NASA to test the light wingless lifting-body concept. The purpose of the design was to land a spacecraft horizontally following atmospheric reentry. By not having wings, the aircraft would take less damage from heat during the process. Dryden Flight Research Center finished construction in 1963. The M2-F1 was largely successful during test flights, which helped NASA look into heavyweight lifting bodies based on the studies. These, in turn, influenced the Space Shuttle Program. NASA retired the aircraft in 1966.