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F-16XL2 NASA Ship #2

In 1990 NASA leased S/N 750747 from General Dynamics and delivered it to NASA's storied Dryden facility for the Supersonic Laminar Flow Control (SLFC) experiment. The F-16XL2 was dubbed 'ship#2' and modified with a titanium glove on its left wing. The glove contained more than 10 million holes and had a suction system attached to the lower surface which was comprised of tubes, valves, and a compressor built into the fuselage. Unlike the earlier NASA ship #1, ship #2 had a laminar flow control panel installed on the left wing; a much more robust and intrusive system compared to the Ship #1. Researchers believe that laminar flow conditions can reduce aerodynamic drag and contribute to reduced operating costs by improving fuel consumption and lowering aircraft weight. In 1999 the experiement was ended and tragically both aircraft where retired a decade later in 2009. As usual shoutout to Memeolorian and Thor's excellent decal and weathering kits.

by assassinAK