Space Exploration

Space Exploration

View full screen - View 1 of Lot 6. [Northrup HL-10].

[Northrup HL-10]

Northrup HL-10 Model, Unknown Manufacturer (but likely Northrup), ca 1966

Lot Closed

July 27, 02:06 PM GMT

Estimate

2,000 - 3,000 USD

Lot Details

Description

Northrup HL-10 Model, unknown manufacturer (but likely Northrup), ca 1966.


Wooden model with metal pitot tube, ⅟15 scale, 16 inches long, 11½ inch wingspan, reading "NASA" on the tailfin, acrylic and metal base.

De-accessed by NASA Aerospace Education Service Program (AESP) via GSA Auction;

Private Collector, Acquired in the Above

The Northrup HL-10 was one of five aircraft built for NASA's Lifting Body Research Program. From 1966 to 1975, the HL-10, along with the M2-F2, M2-F3, X-24A, and X-24B, were used to study how to safely land a low lift-over-drag vehicle designed for re-entry from space. The HL-10 flew 37 times during the program, logging the highest altitude and fastest speed of any of the 5 aircraft, and helped NASA develop energy management and landing techniques that would eventually be used on the Space Shuttle orbiters.