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The Paresev (Paraglider Research Vehicle) was an indirect outgrowth of kite-parachute studies by NACA Langley engineer Francis M. Rogallo. In early 1960s the "Rogallo wing" seemed an excellent means of returning a spacecraft to Earth. The delta wing design was patented by Mr. Rogallo. In May 1961, Robert R. Gilruth, director NASA's Space Task Group, requested studies of an inflatable Rogallo-type "Parawing" for spacecraft. Several companies responded; North American Aviation produced the most acceptable concept and development was contracted to that company. In November 1961 NASA Headquarters launched a paraglider development program, with Langely doing wind tunnel studies and the NASA Flight Research Center supporting the North American test program.

The first Paresev flights began with tows across the dry lakebed, in 1962, using a NASA vehicle, a International Harvester carry-all (6 cylinder). Eventually airtows were done using Stearman sport biplane (450 hp), a Piper Super Cub (150-180 hp), Cessna L-19 ( 200 hp Bird Dog) and a Boeing-Vertol HC-1A. Speed range of the Paresev was about 35 - 65 mph.

The Paresev completed nearly 350 flights during a research program from 1962 until 1964. Pilots flying the Paresev included NASA pilots Milton Thompson, Bruce Peterson, and Neil Armstrong from Dryden, Robert Champine from Langley, and Gus Grissom, astronaut. The Paresev was legally transferred to the National Air Museum of the Smithsonian Institute, Washington, D.C.

Despite its looks, the Paresev was a useful research aircraft that helped develop a new way to fly. Although the Rogallo wing was never used on a spacecraft, it revolutionized the sport of hang gliding, and a different but related kind of wing was tested on the X-38 technology demonstrator.