The North American Trainer Association (NATA) is an independent,
non-profit corporation dedicated to the restoration and safe flying
of North American Trainers such as the AT-6/SNJ/Harvard, NA-64,
NA-50, TB-25, TF-51, AND T-28 aircraft.
To drop something from an aircraft or space craft in flight.
Supplemental fuel tanks, also called "drop tanks", can be
jettisoned from military aircraft prior to entering combat in order
to lower drag, decrease weight and improve maneuverability.
"Amazing! Well done, NASA! Send my love to the aliens.
All the best, Paul."
Source: Iconic singer and songwriter Paul
McCartney. For the first time ever, NASA will beam a song -- The
Beatles' "Across the Universe" -- directly into deep space at 1900
EST on Monday, February 4.