NASA research pilot Bill Dana completes the first powered flight of the M2-F3 lifting body. The flight was marred by the rocket engine shutting down early. The M2-F3 was both the first and last heavy lifting body to fly. It was originally the M2-F2, flown in 1966 and 1967. After it crashed, it was repaired and modified as the M2-F3 with a third vertical stabilizer added on the centerline of the vehicle. NASA Photo EC71-2774
