May 16, 2018 This week in Edwards history On May 17, 1946, the highly innovative XB-43 Jetmaster made its first flight with Douglas test pilot Bob Brush at the controls. The XB-43 was the nation’s first prototype jet bomber. Captured at a later date, this Edwards History Office file photo shows the XB-43 sharing the Edwards ramp with two
May 31, 2018 This week in Edwards history One June 1, 1951, Air Force aeromedical researcher Maj. John Stapp was strapped into a rocket sled that was poised on a 2,000 foot deceleration track at North Base. Moments later, 4,000 pounds of rocket thrust blasted him down the track and into the braking system (from 88.6 mph to a full stop in 18
May 24, 2018 This week in Edwards history On May 26, 1950, the Douglas XA2D-1 Skyshark, an experimental turboprop-powered version of the company’s AD-1 Skyraider, made its first flight, flown by George Jansen. The aircraft’s turboprop engine transmitted power to two large counterrotating three-bladed propellers through a complicated
Aug. 15, 2018 This week in Edwards history On Aug. 16, 1970, a Lockheed C-5A completed an unrefueled flight of 20 hours and 29 minutes. The lengthy flight, which began and ended at Edwards, covered much of the perimeter of the continental United States.
Sept. 21, 2017 This week in Edwards history On Sept. 21, 1964, North American Rockwell’s XB-70 Valkyrie experimental aircraft made its first flight from Plant 42 in Palmdale, California, to Edwards. It was flown by North American test pilot Alvin S. White and Col. Joseph F. Cotton. Originally conceived as a strategic bomber with the ability
Sept. 28, 2017 This week in Edwards history On Sept. 25, 1974, Northrop’s F-5F made its first flight, piloted by Hank Chouteau. The F-5F was the two-seat trainer version of the company’s F-5E Tiger II and featured a completely new fuselage.
Aug. 24, 2017 This week in Edwards history On Aug. 23, 1991, the Flags of Honor memorial was dedicated to the men and women of Edwards AFB who had come together from every state in the nation to serve their country. This memorial was donated by the Edwards AFB Civilian-Military Affairs Support Group.
Aug. 30, 2017 This week in Edwards history On Aug. 29, 1947, Capt. Chuck Yeager made his first powered flight in the Bell X-1, taking the compact orange aircraft to Mach 0.85.
Aug. 17, 2017 This week in Edwards history On Aug. 16, 1948, the XF-89 Scorpion made its first flight, flown by Northrop test pilot Fred C. Bretcher. The twin-jet night fighter was selected by the Air Force after a fly-off with the XF-87 and the Navy’s Douglas XF3D-1 Skyknight because of its potential for development.
Jan. 31, 2018 This week in Edwards history On Jan. 30, 1968, a new project directive from the Air Force chief of staff directed the then Air Force Flight Test Center to continue support of the North American XB-70A Valkyrie Flight Research Program.