The Cutlass was cutting edge technology. This airframe spent the summer of 1955 at NACA Ames for testing. Photo from: NASA

NASA Ames conducted tests to compare the Hiller YROE-1 Rotorcycle's handling qualities with those of larger VTOL aircraft, long after the Marines had rejected it as dangerous to fly. The red box underneath the pilot contains an instrumentation package. This example was later N777MV. Photo by: Dave West / NASA

Used for VTOL research at NASA Ames. Photo by Lee Jones / NASA

VTOL development aircraft, built as Bell X-14 for the USAF as 56-4022. Converted to X-14A and became NASA 234.

Only four aircraft of this type built, redesignated to L-1B in April 1942.

At the NASA Ames Research Center. Ex BuNo 142350, with "350" still visible on the fin.

This aircraft is from Mather Field in Sacramento, CA, and carries the AAF training field letter "T". It's in front of Moffett Field's distinctive Hangar One, which was built for the USS Macon. The rare item about this photo is the placement of the aircraft serial number under the canopy. For a short time in 1941 and early 1942 some AAF training planes carried the serial number in this position instead of on the tail.

Taken at the NASA Ames Research Center, with test pilot Ron Gerdes in the cockpit. Ex USAF 56-6941.

P-3A of VP-50 Patrol Squadron based at Moffett Field.