NASA Pontiac

"f86sabre" (f86sabre) 02/11/2018 at 08:05 • Filed to: Planelopnik, Pontiac

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This 63 Pontiac Catalina was owned by NASA and modified by Southern California hot rod shops. It’s purpose was to act as a tow vehicle for early lifting body glide tests. The car could easily pull 10000 lbs of aircraft at 100 mph.

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InFierority Complex > f86sabre 02/11/2018 at 08:22

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I first learned about this when Vintage Spaced did a video on it a few years back. Less information than the article of course, but cool to see it in action.

Ash78, voting early and often > f86sabre 02/11/2018 at 08:27

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Sponsored by Caffeine-Free Red Bull — because Who Needs Wings ?

I’d imagine this is a lot like a sailplane car launch, which I’ve never done. You don’t get much altitude from it, but there’s no wash to contend with from the tow plane. Better for testing.

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > f86sabre 02/11/2018 at 08:46

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I guess this makes sense considering most trucks back then we’re very slow. While large cars had powerful engines that could be modified to make even more power. You’d think they would have made something more aerodynamic than a convertible tho. Maybe they wanted the drive to be able to see the plane.

InFierority Complex > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 02/11/2018 at 09:01

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Not the driver, but the seating was modified for two observers.

“the front passenger bucket seat was reversed, and the back seat was removed, replaced by another bucket seat so that a second observer could sit facing sideways. “ 

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > InFierority Complex 02/11/2018 at 09:06

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Ah that makes sense e

404 - User No Longer Available > f86sabre 02/11/2018 at 10:18

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Pontiacs are common for these kind of duties. USAF U2 Chase Car.