R. Dale Reed

Robert Dale Reed (February 20, 1930 - March 18, 2005) was an aerospace engineer who pioneered lifting body aircraft and remotely piloted research aircraft programs for NASA at Dryden Flight Research Center.

Reed, born on February 20, 1930,[1] was an aerospace engineer who pioneered lifting body aircraft and remotely piloted research aircraft programs at Dryden Flight Research Center in 1953.

[2] Reed is also known for conducting aerodynamic loads research on the X-1E, X-5, F-100, and D-558-II aircraft.

Reed retired in 1985, but returned as a contract aerospace engineer to work on the X-33, X-36 and X-38 research vehicles, two of which featured lifting body configurations.

In all, Reed managed 19 projects and designed a dozen aircraft during his career.

Dale Reed with model of NASA M2-F1 lifting body prototype in front of full-size aircraft.