51-8037 C-119J
This aircraft was specially modified for mid-air retrieval of space capsules re-entering the atmosphere from orbit. On Aug. 19, 1960, this aircraft made the world's first midair recovery of a capsule returning from orbit when it "snagged" the parachute lowering the Discoverer XIV satellite at 8,000 feet altitude, 360 miles southwest of Honolulu, Hawaii.
US Air Force Museum
Wright-Patterson AFB, OH
51-8037 C-119J
This aircraft was specially modified for mid-air retrieval of space capsules re-entering the atmosphere from orbit. On Aug. 19, 1960, this aircraft made the world's first midair recovery of a capsule returning from orbit when it "snagged" the parachute lowering the Discoverer XIV satellite at 8,000 feet altitude, 360 miles southwest of Honolulu, Hawaii.
US Air Force Museum
Wright-Patterson AFB, OH