JETs Vol. 25-40: 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 JETs Vol. 25-40 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.

JETs Vol. 25-40 is offered in 7 variants cut from cockpit parts and components and the nose landing gear door/shield: Grey Aluminum, Grey Composite, Green Nut Plate, White, Black, Circuit Breaker, and ARMY Green.

The Circuit Breaker come will ship with complete circuit breakers that were removed from the panels the tags were cut from. All of these tags have large holes in them meaning some elements of the laser etched design is missing.  

The ARMY Green come on a C-8A Buffalo card commemorating the aircraft’s use with the ARMY prior to NASA. The tag is etched with C-8A Buffalo art and is cut to our airlift/civil shape. 

The Green Nut Plate feature 1+ nut plates riveted to the back of the tag. 

The White JETs (cut from the nose landing gear door/shield) are the only tags cut from exterior skin. 

An Augmentor Combo is offered that comes with a Green ARMY JET + a White JET.

A Buffalo Set is available that includes an ARMY Green Jet + White JET + an ARMY (Sheet 1) Air Drop, and NASA (Sheet 2) Air Drop.