Research Aircraft Collection

Avro 707 (WD280) in flight, SBAC Display Farnborough, 1951

Avro 707B in flight, SBAC Display Farnborough, 1951

Armstrong Whitworth AW. 52
Armstrong Whitworth AW.52 on ground, Baginton 16 December 1946

Short SB. 5
Short SB5 (WG768) in flight, SBAC Show Farnborough 1953

Westland Pterodactyl IV (K1947) flying to Andover, painted with dragon markings for RAF Display, June 1932

Martin YP6M-1 SeaMaster
Us Navy Martin Yp6M-1 Seamaster Jet-Powered Seaplane Bomber General-Arrangement 3-View Line-Drawing Date: 1956

Martin XP6M-1 SeaMaster
Prototype Us Navy Martin P6M Seamaster Jet-Powered Seaplane Bomber Flying Date: 1955

Boeing KB-29M and B-29MR during refuelling trials near Portland Bill

Armstrong Whitworth AW. 52 / G
Armstrong Whitworth AW.52/G (RG324) in flight, 1946

Cierva W. 9
Cierva W.9 hovering just above the ground, SBAC show, Radlett 1946

Photograph of the X15 research aircraft being delivered on a vehicle, Space Science Fair of 1950
Photograph of the X15 research aircraft being trucked to Cleveland Public Auditorium for complete assembly

Wright Apache
Originally the Wright Apache had a propeller spinner over the hub and a metal jacket covering the crankcase and inner portions of its engine cylinders

X-36 on Ramp
NASA Dryden Flight Fesearch Center, Edwards California is hosting the X-36 program, as well as providing range support for the flight tests

Northrop HL-10 lifting body aircraft C017 / 7567
Northrop HL-10 lifting body aircraft. Major Jerauld Gentry standing in front of the HL-10. This was one of a series of experimental space re-entry aircraft known as lifting body designs

Myasishchev M-17 high-altitude research aircraft

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Research aircraft have played a crucial role in advancing aviation technology and pushing the boundaries of scientific exploration. From the Avro 707 to the Martin XP6M-1 SeaMaster, these remarkable machines have paved the way for groundbreaking discoveries. The Avro 707, including its variant Avro 707B, was an experimental British aircraft that contributed significantly to research on delta-wing configurations. Its sleek design and innovative features set the stage for future developments in supersonic flight. Another notable research aircraft was the Armstrong Whitworth AW. 52, which aimed to explore high-speed flight characteristics. This unique jet-powered flying wing showcased cutting-edge engineering techniques and provided valuable insights into aerodynamics. The Short SB. 5 was yet another pioneering research aircraft that focused on investigating delta-wing stability at transonic speeds. Its successful flights helped refine designs for future military jets and commercial airliners alike. In a league of its own, the Westland Pterodactyl IV stood out as one of Britain's first tailless swept-winged aircraft designed specifically for research purposes. It pushed boundaries with its unconventional shape and contributed vital data on low-speed handling qualities. Across the Atlantic Ocean, American researchers were making their mark too. The Martin YP6M-1 SeaMaster and its prototype counterpart Martin XP6M-1 SeaMaster were amphibious marvels that explored advanced maritime patrol capabilities while incorporating jet propulsion systems. Not limited to just air-based experiments, Boeing KB-29M and B-29MR served as airborne laboratories during atmospheric testing missions post World War II. These modified bombers allowed scientists to collect critical data about weather patterns, radiation levels, and other atmospheric phenomena. Meanwhile, back in Britain, Armstrong Whitworth AW. 52/G took center stage as it sought answers regarding supersonic flight behavior through wind tunnel tests using scaled-down models—an essential step towards achieving faster-than-sound travel safely. Helicopter enthusiasts would appreciate Cierva W. 9, a research aircraft that focused on advancing rotorcraft technology.