NASA AD-1
The NASA AD-1 Oblique Wing Research Aircraft
The NASA AD-1 was an experimental project to determine the efficiency of a wing that could be pivoted up to 60 degrees during flight. The plane was developed by experimental aircraft designer Burt Rutan and manufactured by the Ames Industrial Corporation of New York (which has no relation to NASA Ames Research Center at Moffett Field).
During takeoff and landing the wing would remain perpendicular to the fuselage to provide typical aircraft lift and control surfaces. However, during high-speed flight the wing would pivot along the fuselage to reduce drag, which then increased speed, range and fuel efficiency.
The AD-1 flew from NASA’s Dryden (now Armstrong) research facility at Edwards, CA from 1979 to 1982. Over a series of 79 research flights, the AD-1 provided valuable data regarding the aerodynamics of oblique wing aircraft.
Take a look at this Lego AD-1 that a fan designed and built! (Opens in a new tab on the Lego website)
Today’s Schedule 10-5
Today’s Schedule 10-5
The Hiller Aviation Museum is open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM. The museum is closed for Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.
Upcoming Events
Straw Rocket Workshop
Straw Rocket Workshop
Discover the world of rockets! Use a variety of common craft materials to convert a bottle into a high performance rocket vehicle.
Bay Area Garden Railroad
Bay Area Garden Railroad
The Bay Area Garden Railroad Society's waist-high track features live steam locomotives. These railroad engines are designed to be run in anybody's backyard garden.
Flying Leprechaun Skydive!
Flying Leprechaun Skydive!
The Luck o' the Irish meets the Hiller Aviation Museum for a special aerial celebration in honor of St. Patrick himself!
