The Quesst team has repurposed the landing gear from an F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft and is working on adjusting the fit onto the X-59 airplane. This is part of NASA’s Quesst mission which plans to help enable commercial supersonic air travel over land.

The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds fly over NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, during the second phase of its winter training in February 2025 to prepare for the upcoming air show season. The Thunderbirds perform all over the world in F-16 Fighting Falcons, a multi-role fighter jet.

The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds fly over NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, during the second phase of its winter training in February 2025 to prepare for the upcoming air show season. The Thunderbirds perform all over the world in F-16 Fighting Falcons, a multi-role fighter jet.

The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds fly over NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, during the second phase of its winter training in February 2025 to prepare for the upcoming air show season. The Thunderbirds perform all over the world in F-16 Fighting Falcons, a multi-role fighter jet.

The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds fly over NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, during the second phase of its winter training in February 2025 to prepare for the upcoming air show season. The Thunderbirds perform all over the world in F-16 Fighting Falcons, a multi-role fighter jet.

The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds fly over NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, during the second phase of its winter training in February 2025 to prepare for the upcoming air show season. The Thunderbirds perform all over the world in F-16 Fighting Falcons, a multi-role fighter jet.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Storks seem to join the formation as the U.S. Navy's Blue Angels F/A-18 jets land on the runway at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The Blue Angels are at Kennedy to perform in the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Space and Air Show Nov. 8-9. The Navy's elite flight demonstration squadron will take to the skies in military aircraft demonstrations by the F-16 Fighting Falcon and F/A-18 Super Hornet jets for the second annual Space & Air Show at Kennedy. This year’s show brings together the best in military aircraft, coupled with precision pilots and veteran astronauts to celebrate spaceflight and aviation. The event includes military aircraft demonstrations by the F-16 Fighting Falcon and a water rescue demonstration by the 920th Rescue Wing. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The U.S. Navy's Blue Angels approach the Shuttle Landing Facility for a landing at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. They will perform at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Space and Air Show Nov. 8-9. The Navy's elite flight demonstration squadron will take to the skies in military aircraft demonstrations by the F-16 Fighting Falcon and F/A-18 Super Hornet jets for the second annual Space & Air Show at Kennedy. This year’s show brings together the best in military aircraft, coupled with precision pilots and veteran astronauts to celebrate spaceflight and aviation. The event includes military aircraft demonstrations by the F-16 Fighting Falcon and a water rescue demonstration by the 920th Rescue Wing. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Three of the U.S. Navy's Blue Angels F/A-18 jets fly in formation over the runway before landing at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The Blue Angels are at Kennedy to perform in the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Space and Air Show Nov. 8-9. The Navy's elite flight demonstration squadron will take to the skies in military aircraft demonstrations by the F-16 Fighting Falcon and F/A-18 Super Hornet jets for the second annual Space & Air Show at Kennedy. This year’s show brings together the best in military aircraft, coupled with precision pilots and veteran astronauts to celebrate spaceflight and aviation. The event includes military aircraft demonstrations by the F-16 Fighting Falcon and a water rescue demonstration by the 920th Rescue Wing. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A C-130 airplane flown by U.S. Marines stops at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The plane carries the support team for the U.S. Navy's Blue Angels, who are going to perform at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Space and Air Show Nov. 8-9. The Navy's elite flight demonstration squadron will take to the skies in military aircraft demonstrations by the F-16 Fighting Falcon and F/A-18 Super Hornet jets for the second annual Space & Air Show at Kennedy. This year’s show brings together the best in military aircraft, coupled with precision pilots and veteran astronauts to celebrate spaceflight and aviation. The event includes military aircraft demonstrations by the F-16 Fighting Falcon and a water rescue demonstration by the 920th Rescue Wing. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Aircraft of the 920th Rescue Wing are lined up at the Shuttle landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida to take part in the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Space and Air Show Nov. 8-9. They will join the U.S. Navy's Blue Angels for the show. The Navy's elite flight demonstration squadron will take to the skies in military aircraft demonstrations by the F-16 Fighting Falcon and F/A-18 Super Hornet jets for the second annual Space & Air Show at Kennedy. This year’s show brings together the best in military aircraft, coupled with precision pilots and veteran astronauts to celebrate spaceflight and aviation. The event includes military aircraft demonstrations by the F-16 Fighting Falcon and a water rescue demonstration by the 920th Rescue Wing. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A pilot with the 920th Rescue Wing gets ready to disembark his plane after landing at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The Rescue Wing will join the U.S. Navy's Blue Angels for the Space and Air Show Nov. 8-9 at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. The Navy's elite flight demonstration squadron will take to the skies in military aircraft demonstrations by the F-16 Fighting Falcon and F/A-18 Super Hornet jets for the second annual Space & Air Show at Kennedy. This year’s show brings together the best in military aircraft, coupled with precision pilots and veteran astronauts to celebrate spaceflight and aviation. The event includes military aircraft demonstrations by the F-16 Fighting Falcon and a water rescue demonstration by the 920th Rescue Wing. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – An F-4 jet aircraft lands at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. It will join the U.S. Navy's Blue Angels and other aircraft for demonstrations at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Space and Air Show Nov. 8-9. The Navy's elite flight demonstration squadron will take to the skies in military aircraft demonstrations by the F-16 Fighting Falcon and F/A-18 Super Hornet jets for the second annual Space & Air Show at Kennedy. This year’s show brings together the best in military aircraft, coupled with precision pilots and veteran astronauts to celebrate spaceflight and aviation. The event includes military aircraft demonstrations by the F-16 Fighting Falcon and a water rescue demonstration by the 920th Rescue Wing. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The U.S. Navy's Blue Angels F/A-18 jets fly in formation over the runway at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida before landing. They are at Kennedy to perform in the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Space and Air Show Nov. 8-9. The Navy's elite flight demonstration squadron will take to the skies in military aircraft demonstrations by the F-16 Fighting Falcon and F/A-18 Super Hornet jets for the second annual Space & Air Show at Kennedy. This year’s show brings together the best in military aircraft, coupled with precision pilots and veteran astronauts to celebrate spaceflight and aviation. The event includes military aircraft demonstrations by the F-16 Fighting Falcon and a water rescue demonstration by the 920th Rescue Wing. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The U.S. Navy's Blue Angels demonstration squadron lands at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. They will perform at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Space and Air Show Nov. 8-9. The Navy's elite flight demonstration squadron will take to the skies in military aircraft demonstrations by the F-16 Fighting Falcon and F/A-18 Super Hornet jets for the second annual Space & Air Show at Kennedy. This year’s show brings together the best in military aircraft, coupled with precision pilots and veteran astronauts to celebrate spaceflight and aviation. The event includes military aircraft demonstrations by the F-16 Fighting Falcon and a water rescue demonstration by the 920th Rescue Wing. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Two F/A-18 jets fly over the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. They will join the U.S. Navy's Blue Angels and other aircraft for demonstrations at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Space and Air Show Nov. 8-9. The Navy's elite flight demonstration squadron will take to the skies in military aircraft demonstrations by the F-16 Fighting Falcon and F/A-18 Super Hornet jets for the second annual Space & Air Show at Kennedy. This year’s show brings together the best in military aircraft, coupled with precision pilots and veteran astronauts to celebrate spaceflight and aviation. The event includes military aircraft demonstrations by the F-16 Fighting Falcon and a water rescue demonstration by the 920th Rescue Wing. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Aircraft of the 920th Rescue Wing are lined up at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida to take part in the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Space and Air Show Nov. 8-9. They will join the U.S. Navy's Blue Angels for the show. The Navy's elite flight demonstration squadron will take to the skies in military aircraft demonstrations by the F-16 Fighting Falcon and F/A-18 Super Hornet jets for the second annual Space & Air Show at Kennedy. This year’s show brings together the best in military aircraft, coupled with precision pilots and veteran astronauts to celebrate spaceflight and aviation. The event includes military aircraft demonstrations by the F-16 Fighting Falcon and a water rescue demonstration by the 920th Rescue Wing. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Three of the U.S. Navy's Blue Angels F/A-18 jets fly over the runway at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The Blue Angels are at Kennedy to perform in the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Space and Air Show Nov. 8-9. The Navy's elite flight demonstration squadron will take to the skies in military aircraft demonstrations by the F-16 Fighting Falcon and F/A-18 Super Hornet jets for the second annual Space & Air Show at Kennedy. This year’s show brings together the best in military aircraft, coupled with precision pilots and veteran astronauts to celebrate spaceflight and aviation. The event includes military aircraft demonstrations by the F-16 Fighting Falcon and a water rescue demonstration by the 920th Rescue Wing. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The U.S. Navy's Blue Angels F/A-18 jet No. 1 lands on the runway at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The Blue Angels are at Kennedy to perform in the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Space and Air Show Nov. 8-9. The Navy's elite flight demonstration squadron will take to the skies in military aircraft demonstrations by the F-16 Fighting Falcon and F/A-18 Super Hornet jets for the second annual Space & Air Show at Kennedy. This year’s show brings together the best in military aircraft, coupled with precision pilots and veteran astronauts to celebrate spaceflight and aviation. The event includes military aircraft demonstrations by the F-16 Fighting Falcon and a water rescue demonstration by the 920th Rescue Wing. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, ground support personnel work on an F/A-18, one of the U.S. Navy's Blue Angels aircraft. The demonstration squadron will perform at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Space and Air Show Nov. 8-9. The Navy's elite flight demonstration squadron will take to the skies in military aircraft demonstrations by the F-16 Fighting Falcon and F/A-18 Super Hornet jets for the second annual Space & Air Show at Kennedy. This year’s show brings together the best in military aircraft, coupled with precision pilots and veteran astronauts to celebrate spaceflight and aviation. The event includes military aircraft demonstrations by the F-16 Fighting Falcon and a water rescue demonstration by the 920th Rescue Wing. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – An F/A-18 jet lands at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. It will join the U.S. Navy's Blue Angels and other aircraft for demonstrations at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Space and Air Show Nov. 8-9. The Navy's elite flight demonstration squadron will take to the skies in military aircraft demonstrations by the F-16 Fighting Falcon and F/A-18 Super Hornet jets for the second annual Space & Air Show at Kennedy. This year’s show brings together the best in military aircraft, coupled with precision pilots and veteran astronauts to celebrate spaceflight and aviation. The event includes military aircraft demonstrations by the F-16 Fighting Falcon and a water rescue demonstration by the 920th Rescue Wing. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A C-130 airplane flown by U.S. Marines lands at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The plane carries the support team for the U.S. Navy's Blue Angels, who are going to perform at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Space and Air Show Nov. 8-9. The Navy's elite flight demonstration squadron will take to the skies in military aircraft demonstrations by the F-16 Fighting Falcon and F/A-18 Super Hornet jets for the second annual Space & Air Show at Kennedy. This year’s show brings together the best in military aircraft, coupled with precision pilots and veteran astronauts to celebrate spaceflight and aviation. The event includes military aircraft demonstrations by the F-16 Fighting Falcon and a water rescue demonstration by the 920th Rescue Wing. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – An F-104G Starfighter races through the sky over NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida during the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Space and Air Show Nov. 8-9. This year’s show brought together the best in military aircraft, such as the F/A-18 Super Hornet and F-16 Fighting Falcon, coupled with precision pilots and veteran astronauts to celebrate spaceflight and aviation. The event included a water rescue demonstration by the 920th Rescue Wing. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The U.S. Navy's Blue Angels perform their tight maneuvers over NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida during the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Space and Air Show held Nov. 8-9. This year’s show brought together the best in military aircraft, such as the F_A-18 Super Hornet and F-16 Fighting Falcon, coupled with precision pilots and veteran astronauts to celebrate spaceflight and aviation. The event included a water rescue demonstration by the 920th Rescue Wing. Photo credit: NASA_Troy Cryder

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Crowds are gathered at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida to watch the U.S. Navy's Blue Angels perform at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Space and Air Show Nov. 8-9. This year’s show brought together the best in military aircraft, such as the F/A-18 Super Hornet and F-16 Fighting Falcon, coupled with precision pilots and veteran astronauts to celebrate spaceflight and aviation. The event included a water rescue demonstration by the 920th Rescue Wing. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The U.S. Navy's Blue Angels perform their tight maneuvers over NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida during the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Space and Air Show Nov. 8-9. This year’s show brought together the best in military aircraft, such as the F/A-18 Super Hornet and F-16 Fighting Falcon, coupled with precision pilots and veteran astronauts to celebrate spaceflight and aviation. The event included a water rescue demonstration by the 920th Rescue Wing. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A member of the 101st Airborne parachute demonstration team lands at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The team performed at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Space and Air Show Nov. 8-9. This year’s show brought together the best in military aircraft, such as the F/A-18 Super Hornet and F-16 Fighting Falcon, coupled with precision pilots and veteran astronauts to celebrate spaceflight and aviation. The event included a water rescue demonstration by the 920th Rescue Wing. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Eyes and hands of the crowd of visitors are pointed toward the sky at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida during the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Space and Air Show Nov. 8-9. This year’s show brought together the best in military aircraft, such as the F/A-18 Super Hornet and F-16 Fighting Falcon, coupled with precision pilots and veteran astronauts to celebrate spaceflight and aviation. The event included a water rescue demonstration by the 920th Rescue Wing. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the U.S. Navy's Blue Angel pilots and support team are greeted by (from right) Special Operations Director Joe Dowdy, External Relations Director Lisa Malone, External Relations Acting Deputy Director Cheryl Hurst and Pam Steele, chief of the Public Services Division at Kennedy. The Blue Angels will perform at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Space and Air Show Nov. 8-9. The Navy's elite flight demonstration squadron will take to the skies in military aircraft demonstrations by the F-16 Fighting Falcon and F/A-18 Super Hornet jets for the second annual Space & Air Show at Kennedy. This year’s show brings together the best in military aircraft, coupled with precision pilots and veteran astronauts to celebrate spaceflight and aviation. The event includes military aircraft demonstrations by the F-16 Fighting Falcon and a water rescue demonstration by the 920th Rescue Wing. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

A model of the General Dynamics YF-16 Fighting Falcon in the test section of the 8- by 6-Foot Supersonic Wind Tunnel at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Lewis Research Center. The YF-16 was General Dynamics response to the military’s 1972 request for proposals to design a new 20,000-pound fighter jet with exceptional acceleration, turn rate, and range. The aircraft included innovative design elements to help pilots survive turns up to 9Gs, a new frameless bubble canopy, and a Pratt and Whitney 24,000-pound thrust F-100 engine. The YF-16 made its initial flight in February 1974, just six weeks before this photograph, at Edwards Air Force Base. Less than a year later, the Air Force ordered 650 of the aircraft, designated as F-16 Fighting Falcons. The March and April 1974 tests in the 8- by 6-foot tunnel analyzed the aircraft’s fixed-shroud ejector nozzle. The fixed-nozzle area limited drag, but also limited the nozzle’s internal performance. NASA researchers identified and assessed aerodynamic and aerodynamic-propulsion interaction uncertainties associated the prototype concept. YF-16 models were also tested extensively in the 11- by 11-Foot Transonic Wind Tunnel and 9- by 7-Foot Supersonic Wind Tunnel at Ames Research Center and the 12-Foot Pressure Wind Tunnel at Langley Research Center.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The U.S. Navy's Blue Angels perform their tight maneuvers over NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida during the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Space and Air Show held Nov. 8-9. This year’s show brought together the best in military aircraft, such as the F/A-18 Super Hornet and F-16 Fighting Falcon, coupled with precision pilots and veteran astronauts to celebrate spaceflight and aviation. The event included a water rescue demonstration by the 920th Rescue Wing. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – With the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida as a backdrop, this Castrol Aviator EXTRA 300SHP stunt plane, an unlimited-level aerobatic two-seat monoplane, performs aerobatic maneuvers during the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Space and Air Show held Nov. 8-9. This year’s show brought together the best in military aircraft, such as the F/A-18 Super Hornet and F-16 Fighting Falcon, coupled with precision pilots and veteran astronauts to celebrate spaceflight and aviation. The event included a water rescue demonstration by the 920th Rescue Wing. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Crowds head for the best viewing sites they can find at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida to watch the U.S. Navy's Blue Angels perform at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Space and Air Show Nov. 8-9. This year’s show brought together the best in military aircraft, such as the F/A-18 Super Hornet and F-16 Fighting Falcon, coupled with precision pilots and veteran astronauts to celebrate spaceflight and aviation. The event included a water rescue demonstration by the 920th Rescue Wing. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – During the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Space and Air Show held Nov. 8-9 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, this F/A-18 Super Hornet demonstrates its flying capabilities. This year’s show brought together the best in military aircraft, such as the F/A-18 Super Hornet and F-16 Fighting Falcon, coupled with precision pilots and veteran astronauts to celebrate spaceflight and aviation. The event included a water rescue demonstration by the 920th Rescue Wing. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A contrast in speed and design, the F/A-18 Super Hornet jet (behind) flies alongside a World War II Vought F4U Corsair during the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Space and Air Show Nov. 8-9 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This year’s show brought together the best in military aircraft, such as the F/A-18 Super Hornet and F-16 Fighting Falcon, coupled with precision pilots and veteran astronauts to celebrate spaceflight and aviation. The event included a water rescue demonstration by the 920th Rescue Wing. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Crowds on the banks of the Banana River at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida watch as an F/A-18 Super Hornet jet shows its maneuvers. The Super Hornet was part of the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Space and Air Show Nov. 8-9. This year’s show brought together the best in military aircraft, such as the F/A-18 Super Hornet and F-16 Fighting Falcon, coupled with precision pilots and veteran astronauts to celebrate spaceflight and aviation. The event included a water rescue demonstration by the 920th Rescue Wing. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A member of the 101st Airborne parachute demonstration team heads for landing at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The team performed at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Space and Air Show Nov. 8-9. This year’s show brought together the best in military aircraft, such as the F/A-18 Super Hornet and F-16 Fighting Falcon, coupled with precision pilots and veteran astronauts to celebrate spaceflight and aviation. The event included a water rescue demonstration by the 920th Rescue Wing. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The U.S. Navy's F/A-18 Blue Angels taxi toward the runway at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. They will taking off to begin rehearsing their demonstrations for the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Space and Air Show Nov. 8-9. The Navy's elite flight demonstration squadron will take to the skies in military aircraft demonstrations for the second annual Space & Air Show at Kennedy. This year’s show brings together the best in military aircraft, coupled with precision pilots and veteran astronauts to celebrate spaceflight and aviation. The event also includes demonstrations by the F-16 Fighting Falcon and a water rescue demonstration by the 920th Rescue Wing. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The U.S. Navy's F/A-18 Blue Angels (left) and other military aircraft fire their engines on the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida before taking off. They will be rehearsing their demonstrations for the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Space and Air Show Nov. 8-9. The Navy's elite flight demonstration squadron will take to the skies in military aircraft demonstrations for the second annual Space & Air Show at Kennedy. This year’s show brings together the best in military aircraft, coupled with precision pilots and veteran astronauts to celebrate spaceflight and aviation. The event also includes demonstrations by the F-16 Fighting Falcon and a water rescue demonstration by the 920th Rescue Wing. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The U.S. Navy's F/A-18 Blue Angels begin taxiing toward the runway at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. They will taking off to begin rehearsing their demonstrations for the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Space and Air Show Nov. 8-9. The Navy's elite flight demonstration squadron will take to the skies in military aircraft demonstrations for the second annual Space & Air Show at Kennedy. This year’s show brings together the best in military aircraft, coupled with precision pilots and veteran astronauts to celebrate spaceflight and aviation. The event also includes demonstrations by the F-16 Fighting Falcon and a water rescue demonstration by the 920th Rescue Wing. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Military aircraft are lined up on the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The F/A-18s, F-4, F-16 and F-104G Starfighter will take part in demonstrations at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Space and Air Show Nov. 8-9. The Navy's elite flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Angels, will take to the skies in military aircraft demonstrations for the second annual Space & Air Show at Kennedy. This year’s show brings together the best in military aircraft, coupled with precision pilots and veteran astronauts to celebrate spaceflight and aviation. The event also includes demonstrations by the F-16 Fighting Falcon and a water rescue demonstration by the 920th Rescue Wing. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – During a flight aboard the U.S. Navy Blue Angel's support aircraft, a C-130T Hercules known as "Fat Albert," the photographer was able to capture the entire Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Well-known structures are the genuine, full-size solid rocket boosters and external tank at left, Astronaut Memorial Mirror at center in the foreground, and the Rocket Garden at center right. The Blue Angels performed during the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Space and Air Show held Nov. 8-9. This year’s show brought together the best in military aircraft, such as the F/A-18 Super Hornet and F-16 Fighting Falcon, coupled with precision pilots and veteran astronauts to celebrate spaceflight and aviation. The event included a water rescue demonstration by the 920th Rescue Wing. Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The U.S. Navy's F/A-18 Blue Angels take off from the runway at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida to begin rehearsing their demonstrations for the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Space and Air Show Nov. 8-9. The Navy's elite flight demonstration squadron will take to the skies in military aircraft demonstrations for the second annual Space & Air Show at Kennedy. This year’s show brings together the best in military aircraft, coupled with precision pilots and veteran astronauts to celebrate spaceflight and aviation. The event also includes demonstrations by the F-16 Fighting Falcon and a water rescue demonstration by the 920th Rescue Wing. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The U.S. Navy's F/A-18 Blue Angels are lined up on the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The Blue Angels and other aircraft are at Kennedy for demonstrations at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Space and Air Show Nov. 8-9. The Navy's elite flight demonstration squadron will take to the skies in military aircraft demonstrations for the second annual Space & Air Show at Kennedy. This year’s show brings together the best in military aircraft, coupled with precision pilots and veteran astronauts to celebrate spaceflight and aviation. The event also includes demonstrations by the F-16 Fighting Falcon and a water rescue demonstration by the 920th Rescue Wing. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

The AFTI F-16 flying at high angle of attack, shown in the final configuration and paint finish. Dummy Sidewinder air-to-air missles are attached to the wing tips. The white objects visible on the wing racks represent practice bomb dispensers, used in weapon tests.

An early (1983) photograph of the AFTI F-16 team, commemorating the aircraft's 50th flight. It shows the initial configuration and paint finish of the AFTI F-16, as well as the forward mounted canards and the spin chute.

This photo depicts the AFTI F-16 in the configuration used midway through the program. The sensor pods were added to the fuselage, but the chin canards remained in place. Painted in non-standard gray tones, it carried Sidewinder air-to-air missles on its wingtips.

A close-up photo of the spin chute mounted on the rear fuselage of the AFTI F-16, a safety device designed to prevent the loss of aircraft in spin conditions. Under some circumstances, pilots cannot recover from spins using normal controls. It these instances, the spin chute is deployed, thus "breaking" the spin and enabling the pilot to recover. The spin chute is held in a metal cylinder attached to the AFTI F-16 by four tubes, a structure strong enough to withstand the shock of the spin chute opening. Unlike the air probe in the last photo, spin chutes are not standard equipment on research or prototype aircraft but are commonly attached expressly for actual spin tests.