Air Drops AD608: NASA C-8A AWJSRA

Based on a heavily modified de Havilland C-8A Buffalo, the NASA AWJSRA (Augmentor Wing Jet STOL Research Aircraft) was a groundbreaking experimental platform developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s to explore advanced powered-lift technology for extremely short takeoff and landing operations. The aircraft used an innovative augmentor-flap system that ducted high-energy engine exhaust over the flaps, allowing controlled flight at unusually steep approaches and very low airspeeds. Tested extensively by NASA, the jet-blown wing system demonstrated the potential for STOL transport aircraft capable of operating from short, confined airfields - particularly for urban or tactical environments. The complexity and maintenance demands ultimately kept the concept from reaching production aircraft. Despite this, the program’s aerodynamic insights significantly advanced the understanding of powered-lift systems and contributed to later improvements in flap design, boundary-layer control, and next-generation STOL research. The aircraft also utilized vectored engine thrust nozzles based on the Rolls Royce Pegasus to further enhance its STOL capabilities. 

Before its time at NASA, the AWJSRA was the very first of four C-8A Buffalo prototypes produced by de Havilland for the Army (S/N: 63-13686). After its time at NASA the aircraft was reconfigured for civil use and later scrapped. 

The parts we used for Air Drops AD608 were part of a lot of aircraft parts we acquired from NASA early last year, and are the last known parts of a remarkable aircraft that is to thank for many notable aerospace advancements present on many aircraft today.

Air Drops AD608 is offered in 3 different configurations (or sheets):

ARMY (Sheet 1) features green Air Drops and come in a card featuring C-8A Buffalo art prior to the NASA conversion to the AWJSRA. 

NASA (Sheet 2) are white cut from the nose landing gear door/shield and a couple autopilot gyro data plates are tossed in the mix with Sheet 1 as well. Sheet 2 come on the NASA card. 

Cockpit (Sheet 3) are cut from electrical relays (gold cards), composite panels, black aluminum, and other interesting bits we removed from the cockpit panels and junction boxes. Sheet 3 will be a combination of ARMY and NASA cards – fulfillment is random, however, for release day we have set aside a few Relay Air Drops that can be purchased individually. THE PRODUCT PHOTO DEPICTS RELAY AIR DROPS. Air Drops from this Sheet may be Relay or any other variation as described above. 

A Full Set is available that comes with a Sheet 1, Sheet 2, and Sheet 3 Relay Air Drop.