Cessna Citation X Wind Tunnel Testing

During the development of the Cessna Citation X business jet, this wind tunnel model was fabricated and tested to evaluate flutter in the NASA Langley Transonic Dynamics wind tunnel. At the time of the Citation X’s launch, it was the fastest civil aircraft manufactured, reaching a maximum cruise speed of 0.92 Mach, or 92% of the speed of sound.

cessna_sitation_wind-tunnel
XB-70 Drooped Wingtips
June 30, 2025

XB-70 Valkyrie Drooping Wingtips

Among the historic and innovative aircraft on display in the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum, the Bede BD-5 showcases a legacy that belies its diminutive size.
The Jetstar
June 30, 2025

NASA Lockheed Jetstar

Originally designed as one of the first purpose-built business jets, the Lockheed L-1329 Jetstar cast a formidable shadow even before the installation of NASA’s experimental equipment. Unlike most business jets, the Jetstar utilized four engines – and it did so with the unique rear-mounted arrangement seen here.
tlc_Aircraft-Design_3
June 30, 2025

Unique Aircraft Design of the 1970s

Originally constructed in 1971 as part of a general aviation design study, this rarely seen Beechcraft concept model was utilized for wind-tunnel analysis and never reached production.