By Steve Beebee
News
A Douglas F5D-1 Skylancer once used by NASA is to be restored to static display condition
The work on the rare classic jet will take place at the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum in McMinnville, Oregon.
One of four Skylancers built, 139208/NASA 708 is one of a pair that were operated by NASA from 1961. In a scheme developed by future astronaut Neil Armstrong, it was used in the so-called Dyna-Soar programme, an abort procedure designed to save pilot and spacecraft in the event of a launch-pad booster explosion. Both Skylancers survive today; the other (142350/NASA 802) was flown by Armstrong himself and is now at the Armstrong Air & Space Museum in Wapakoneta, Ohio. With thanks to Tony Sacketos
