'Armament tow attitude test' near the Bell factory. The rig could be tilted up to 45 degrees. Similar photos released in January 1955. The purpose, minesweeping, was not revealed. Ship 9 conducted airborne towing tests at Corpus Christi, Texas in February. The US Navy cancelled the HSL in July 1955. Of 233 serial numbers assigned, the last 180 airframes were cancelled. Two airframes between BuNo 129155 / 5 and 129161 did not apparently receive a Ship number; perhaps these were never made airworthy? Photo from: Bell