NASA Neil A. Armstrong Flight Research Center

The NASA Neil A. Armstrong Flight Research Center (AFRC), located at Edwards Air Force Base in California, serves as NASA’s primary center for high-risk, atmospheric flight research and test projects. Established in 1946, the center has been at the forefront of advancing aeronautical technology and conducting pioneering flight research.

NASA Neil A. Armstrong Flight Research Center

4800 Lilly Ave

Edwards

California 93523

USA

www.nasa.gov/centers/armstrong/home/index.html

Unfortunately Armstrong tours were canceled a few years ago due to budget cuts.

Aircraft collection

Vought F-8A "Super Critical Wing" N810NA NASA, NASA Neil A. Armstrong Flight Research Center
46-0063/6063

56-6672/822

N810NA/810

N802NA/802

64-17980/844

82-0049/049

N816NA/816

N944NA/944

Bell X-1E

Rockwell X-15

F-8A “Super Critical Wing”

F-8C “Digital Fly-by-Wire”

SR-71A Blackbird

Northrop X-29A

General Dynamics F-16A

Gulfstream G-1159 STA

Vought F-8C "Digital Fly-by-Wire" N802NA NASA, NASA Neil A. Armstrong Flight Research Center

Aircraft can be seen just outside the NASA Neil A. Armstrong Flight Research Center.

Bell X-1E 46-0063 NASA, NASA Neil A. Armstrong Flight Research Center
Northrop X-29A 82-0049 NASA, NASA Neil A. Armstrong Flight Research Center

Mission and Research Focus:

NASA Neil A. Armstrong Flight Research Center is dedicated to researching, developing, verifying, and transferring advanced aeronautics, space, and related technologies. The center conducts atmospheric Earth and space science flight operations, contributing significantly to NASA’s mission of exploring the unknown in air and space.

Historical Significance:

The center is named in honor of Neil A. Armstrong, a former research test pilot at the facility and the first person to set foot on the moon during the Apollo 11 mission in 1969. Armstrong’s legacy embodies the spirit of exploration and innovation that defines the center’s work.

Facilities and Capabilities:

NASA Neil A. Armstrong Flight Research Center boasts state-of-the-art facilities and a fleet of specialized aircraft designed for a wide range of research activities, including:

  • Flight Testing: Conducting experimental flights to test new aerospace technologies and concepts.
  • Aeronautics Research: Advancing the understanding of aerodynamics, propulsion, and flight systems.
  • Space Technology Demonstrations: Testing technologies that enable future space exploration missions.

Pictures Rob Vogelaar