| A/C | aircraft |
| AFFTC | Air Force Flight Test Center |
| AFRES | Air Force Reserve Squadron |
| ANG | Air National Guard |
| AOA | angle of attack |
| APU | auxiliary power units |
| ASSET | aerothermodynamic/elastic structural system environmental tests |
| DFC | distinguished flying cross |
| EVA | extravehicular activity |
| g | acceleration of gravity |
| GE | General Electric Company |
| GN2 | gaseous nitrogen |
| He | helium |
| HSFS | High-Speed Flight Station (now NASA Ames-Dryden) |
| L/D | lift-to-drag ratio |
| LN2 | liquid nitrogen |
| LOX, LO2 | liquid oxygen |
| M | Mach number |
| NAA | North American Aviation, Inc. |
| NACA | National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics |
| NASA | National Aeronautics and Space Administration |
| NH3 | anhydrous ammonia |
| PIO | pilot-induced oscillation |
| PRIME | precision recovery including maneuvering entry |
| PSAC | President's Scientific Advisory Committee |
| q | dynamic pressure; also called "q bar" |
| R/E | redundant/cmergency (systems) |
| RMI | Reaction Motors, Incorporated |
| SAB | Scientific Advisory Board |
| SAMS | surface-to-air missiles |
| SSTO | single stage to orbit |
| T | time, thrust |
| USAF | United States Air Force |
| USN | United States Navy |
| WADC | Wright Aeronautical Development Center |
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