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Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

ERAU Prescott Aviation History Program

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Full-Text Articles in Engineering

Mid-Air Retrieval (Mar) Of Cruise Missiles, Rpv’S And A Historical Overview Of Aerial Recovery, Walter R. Blackwell Nov 2017

Mid-Air Retrieval (Mar) Of Cruise Missiles, Rpv’S And A Historical Overview Of Aerial Recovery, Walter R. Blackwell

ERAU Prescott Aviation History Program

USAF (RET) Lt. Col Walter R. Blackwell entered pilot training in October 1959 and served as an air force command pilot for 26 years. His flying experience includes light and heavy lift helicopters i.e. the H-19, H-21, H-1F, H-1N, HH-3E, and H-53. He has a total of 8,188 hours. His assignments in the Air Force included rescue combat crew commander in South East Asia, chief of flight safety at Aerospace Rescue and Recovery headquarters, and Air Force Systems Command Test Squadron. During his time as the Test Squadron Lt. Col Blackwell flew in support of cruise missile tests and special …


Pulling Gs-The Evolution Of High Performance Aerobatics, Matt Chapman Oct 2017

Pulling Gs-The Evolution Of High Performance Aerobatics, Matt Chapman

ERAU Prescott Aviation History Program

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is proud to sponsor one of the top airshow performers in the world, Matt Chapman. Matt is recognized as an extraordinary aerobatic pilot who thrills millions of airshow fans each summer. He began flying aerobatics in 1984 and quickly worked his way up to the highest level of competition aerobatics –the Unlimited category. Recognized for his skills, he won one of only five slots on the U.S. Unlimited Men’s Aerobatic Team in 1996 and 1998. At the 1998 World Aerobatic Championships (WAC), Matt was the highest-ranking American pilot, finishing third in the world with a bronze medal. …


Flying The Beam: Navigating The Early Us Airmail Airways, 1917-1941, Henry Lehrer Apr 2017

Flying The Beam: Navigating The Early Us Airmail Airways, 1917-1941, Henry Lehrer

ERAU Prescott Aviation History Program

We tend to take for granted the infrastructure that makes modern air travel possible. However, the systems, technologies and regulations of civil aviation are in fact the product of decades of experimentation much of it connected to development of airmail as the first sustainable use of airplanes. Hear this fascinating tale from an author, historian, educator and pilot who spent part of his life flying the Transcontinental Airway that stretched from New York City across the nation all the way to San Francisco.


Concorde – 20th Century Icon, John Hutchinson Nov 2016

Concorde – 20th Century Icon, John Hutchinson

ERAU Prescott Aviation History Program

Europe to the U.S. in less than 3 ½ hours at 60,000 feet and Mach 2! The Concorde was one of world’s most recognized aircraft and a technological marvel. Learn what it was like to fly it from a pilot who did so for 15 years. Capt. Hutchinson was a Concorde route check airman and a British Airways pilot selector. He also worked with BBC television as a presenter of Airshow programmes and helped promote the Concorde/QE2 travel packages. What a way to travel!


From Xst To F-117a, Alan Brown Sep 2016

From Xst To F-117a, Alan Brown

ERAU Prescott Aviation History Program

Learn the remarkable story of stealth technology from the man often referred to as “Mr. Stealth.” From 1975-1989 Alan Brown was a member of Lockheed “Skunk Works”, becoming program manager & chief engineer for the F-117A Stealth Fighter from initial concept until the first production aircraft was built, 1978 to 1982. Hear the inside story of the many challenges faced by the stealth program and how they were solved.


Exploits Of A Helicopter Tv Journalist, Jerry Foster Apr 2016

Exploits Of A Helicopter Tv Journalist, Jerry Foster

ERAU Prescott Aviation History Program

Jerry Foster was the first TV helicopter pilot/reporter in the country; the first to go live over the scene of a breaking story. High speed police chases; devastating floods and daring rescues now splashed all over cable TV, started in the early 1970s in Phoenix. Hear this fascinating story from a remarkable aviator who won the Harmon Trophy for his flying exploits. What he pioneered would later be copied by medical and law enforcement agencies throughout the country leading to the saving of countless lives.


Dreamland: Secrets Of Area 51, Peter Merlin Mar 2016

Dreamland: Secrets Of Area 51, Peter Merlin

ERAU Prescott Aviation History Program

Dreamland, or Area 51, at Groom Lake, Nevada, has served as a secret proving ground for advanced aircraft and weapon systems since 1955. Throughout the Cold War, workers at this secret site toiled in anonymity to test the U-2, A-12 (first of the triple-sonic Blackbirds), Soviet fighters, stealth aircraft, and unmanned aerial vehicles. Declassified interviews, documents, and pictures now make it possible to tell the true story of this unique national asset. Hear this fascinating story from Peter Merlin, an ERAU graduate who has appeared in more than a dozen aviation documentaries.


The Legacy Of The Tuskegee Airmen, William Norwood Feb 2016

The Legacy Of The Tuskegee Airmen, William Norwood

ERAU Prescott Aviation History Program

Learn about the historic Tuskegee Airmen of WW II and how they influenced the first African American pilot hired by United Airlines. Raised in segregated Centralia, IL, he was inspired to fly by his elementary school principal who was a “Red Tail” pilot. He overcame obstacles along the way to become a USAF B-52 pilot before joining UAL where he would retire 31 years later as a DC-10 Captain. Bill shares his love of flying and adventurous spirit in hopes of inspiring others to pursue their dreams.


Apollo 13: The Longest Hour, Sy Libergot Jan 2016

Apollo 13: The Longest Hour, Sy Libergot

ERAU Prescott Aviation History Program

The epic story of Apollo 13 is well known, but hear the inside details from the NASA flight controller who was on duty when the unthinkable happened. Author of Apollo EECOM, Journey of a Lifetime, Sy Libergot’s space experience began in 1966 and spanned the entire Apollo Lunar Program; Skylab; the Apollo-Soyuz project; early Shuttle and even the International Space Station, but Apollo 13 would become the unwelcome highlight of his flight controller career. Don’t miss this exciting talk by the man who was at the console when it all happened.


Amelia Earhart - A Study In Courage, Daring And Foolhardiness, Gene Tissot Sep 2015

Amelia Earhart - A Study In Courage, Daring And Foolhardiness, Gene Tissot

ERAU Prescott Aviation History Program

Amelia Earhart, disappeared while almost completing an around-the-world flight. This was just one of her many daring adventures. Hear the story of her relatively short, but dynamic aviation career from Gene Tissot, whose father was Amelia’s mechanic during her Hawaii to California flight in 1935. Admiral Tissot knows the pacific well as a decorated combat pilot in Korea & Vietnam. He became the third naval aviator to achieve 1000 arrested carrier landings, without an accident over 20 years, flying 11 different aircraft types.


The Atomic Bombings Of Japan - Right Or Wrong?, William Weiss May 2015

The Atomic Bombings Of Japan - Right Or Wrong?, William Weiss

ERAU Prescott Aviation History Program

Few Presidential actions have generated more controversy than Truman’s decision to use atomic bombs against Japan to end WW II. Local historian Bill Weiss examines the issues based on recently released information from formerly secret American and Russian archives. Learn what the last months were like in the Pacific; American preparations for a possible invasion and Japan’s mindset at this crucial time that lead to the life-saving decision.


Flying The X-15 And Space Shuttle, Joe H. Engle Apr 2015

Flying The X-15 And Space Shuttle, Joe H. Engle

ERAU Prescott Aviation History Program

Hear what it was like for Joe H. Engle, USAF/ANG, Ret. to fly both the X-15 and the Space Shuttle. In 1965 Capt. Engle flew the X-15 to 280,600 feet, to become the youngest pilot to qualify as an astronaut and would go on to fly it 15 more times. Selected for NASA space missions, he flew the Space Shuttle “Enterprise” off the top of a modified 747 on glide flight tests. He commanded the orbital test flight of “Columbia” and became the first and only pilot to manually fly an aerospace vehicle from Mach 25 to landing. A remarkable …


The Women Airforce Service Pilots (Wasp) Of World War Ii, Natalie J. Stewart-Smith Mar 2015

The Women Airforce Service Pilots (Wasp) Of World War Ii, Natalie J. Stewart-Smith

ERAU Prescott Aviation History Program

Hear the fascinating story of the women who flew in WW II as members of the WASP, from Natalie Stewart-Smith. Her thesis on them was the very first academic study of the WASP and is based on numerous personal interviews, including Jacqueline Cochran, their founder. The military contribution of women fliers during World War I is a seldom seen part of the WASP story as well.


Eugene Bullard: World’S First Black Fighter Pilot, Larry W. Greenly Feb 2015

Eugene Bullard: World’S First Black Fighter Pilot, Larry W. Greenly

ERAU Prescott Aviation History Program

In honor of Black History Month, hear the fascinating story of Eugene Bullard the American who became the world’s first black fighter pilot in WW I. Award-winning writer and author of a new book on Bullard, Dr. Greenly will discuss how Eugene ran away to France and enlisted in the French Foreign Legion. He then joined the Lafayette Flying Corps where he was trained and flew combat missions. What happened to this decorated hero later and his eventual return to the U.S will also be covered in this unique talk.


The C-130 Hercules In Vietnam, 1971-72, John Hopper Feb 2015

The C-130 Hercules In Vietnam, 1971-72, John Hopper

ERAU Prescott Aviation History Program

Learn how the famous C-130 Hercules came about and how it was used extensively in Vietnam. Hear Lt Gen Hopper, who flew it then as young 1st Lt, discuss the concept of ‘tactical aviation’ and how hazardous resupply missions were planned and conducted. Or, as he modestly puts it “How to fly from A to B without getting shot!” Real stories from a real combat pilot. He will also talk about its more recent use in Desert Storm


Jolly Green Mission Brief, Rich Blackwell Jan 2015

Jolly Green Mission Brief, Rich Blackwell

ERAU Prescott Aviation History Program

The HH-3E helicopter was fondly known as the “Jolly Green”, for its size and color. Learn what it was like to fly it on rescue missions in Vietnam during 1967-1968. Rich was a Rescue Combat Crew Commander in Da Nang who flew more than 400 combat hours in the rescue of downed aircrews and the medevac of wounded Marines. They were dangerous missions but many people owe their lives to these Jolly Greens!


Memphis Belle, Hot Stuff, Gen Andrews & The Quest To Be First To Complete 25, William Waldock Nov 2014

Memphis Belle, Hot Stuff, Gen Andrews & The Quest To Be First To Complete 25, William Waldock

ERAU Prescott Aviation History Program

Most people know of Memphis Belle, the first heavy bomber to complete 25 missions. But did you know that honor really belongs to a B-24 named Hot Stuff? Learn the true story of this aircraft and its sad ending from ERAU accident investigator Bill Waldock.


Tales Of A Combat Advisor In Iraq, Jerry Kidrick Sep 2014

Tales Of A Combat Advisor In Iraq, Jerry Kidrick

ERAU Prescott Aviation History Program

In 2010, Army aviator Jerry Kidrick was mobilized from the Alaska National Guard to lead a team of Combat Advisors in Iraq. For 16 months in Basra, he advised the Iraqi Army on counter-insurgent actions. He also acted as liaison between the US State Dept.,CIA and US Commanders. He will discuss his experiences and how the Iraqi military assumed a greater counter-insurgent role under Operation New Dawn.


Submarines For Aviators, Randy Hoffman Apr 2014

Submarines For Aviators, Randy Hoffman

ERAU Prescott Aviation History Program

What does a docent at the Pima Air & Space Museum know about submarines? A lot! Find out in this light-hearted yet informative look how they developed, how they ‘fly’ through the water and what they can do. Learn their history from WW II to the birth of nuclear propulsion and the modern missile and attack submarines. Remember, aviators may look down on them but the subs are also looking up!


Cheating Death, Combat Air Rescues In Vietnam And Laos, George Marrett Feb 2014

Cheating Death, Combat Air Rescues In Vietnam And Laos, George Marrett

ERAU Prescott Aviation History Program

Hear the exciting story of George Marrett’s year as a “Sandy” rescue pilot with the 602d Fighter Squadron in 1968-69. Flying from Thailand they helped rescue downed USAF & USN pilots in Laos and Vietnam. He flew the WW II vintage Douglas A-1 Skyraider and completed 188 combat missions ; 600 combat hours. Flying low and slow, at treetop level, in all weather, it was truly hazardous duty every day!


Sac Drone History, John Dale Jan 2014

Sac Drone History, John Dale

ERAU Prescott Aviation History Program

Learn about the previously classified Strategic Air Command drone reconnaissance program covering targets in China, N. Korea, & N. Vietnam, from the pilot who was in charge. Specially modified C-130s launched the drones that were then recovered in mid-air by helicopters. They went where manned aircraft could not and some wouldn’t make it back! This program contributed to the amazing UAVs of today.


Flying The U-2, Art Saboski Nov 2013

Flying The U-2, Art Saboski

ERAU Prescott Aviation History Program

Learn what it was like to fly the famous U-2, one of history’s most secretive aircraft, from a pilot who has done just that. Art Saboski spent most of his Air Force career flying the U-2; commanding U-2 organizations as well as planning and conducting reconnaissance/intelligence operations. He will give his unique perspectives on the high altitude aircraft, its history, development and current uses today.


Ralph A. O'Neill, Arizona's Other Ww I Ace, Alan Roesler Mar 2013

Ralph A. O'Neill, Arizona's Other Ww I Ace, Alan Roesler

ERAU Prescott Aviation History Program

Hear the fascinating story of Ralph O'Neill, who was inducted into the Arizona Aviation Hall of Fame in 2012. He flew 103 combat missions with the 147th Aero Squadron (a squadron mate of Ernest Love of Prescott); started a functional Mexican Air Force in the 1920s and the New York Rio & Buenos Aires Airline in 1929, which later merged with Pan Am.


Edwards Afb And The Air Force Flight Test Center, Charlie Bock Col, Usaf, Ret. Jan 2013

Edwards Afb And The Air Force Flight Test Center, Charlie Bock Col, Usaf, Ret.

ERAU Prescott Aviation History Program

Hear an exciting review of Air Force flight test activity over a long period of time by someone who was there!


We Did Our Part: The Story Of A World War Ii Aaf Air Transport C-47 Pilot In The South West Pacific, Kay Nehring Nov 2012

We Did Our Part: The Story Of A World War Ii Aaf Air Transport C-47 Pilot In The South West Pacific, Kay Nehring

ERAU Prescott Aviation History Program

Hear the story of Lt Charles J. Nehring, as told by his daughter, who went from selling shoes in N. Dakota to dropping paratroopers on Corregidor. He served with the 39th SQ of the 317th TCG from ‘42 to ‘45 and shot rare 16mm color film of his daily activities and flights. Kay narrates the film and reads from his letters home, as well as brings a collection of his WW II things for viewing. A unique and personal look at the war.


A (Declassified) History Of Military Drones, Stephen Rayleigh Sep 2012

A (Declassified) History Of Military Drones, Stephen Rayleigh

ERAU Prescott Aviation History Program

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles or drones, are said to be the newest technology of contemporary warfare, but the military's use of drones spans the last 100 years. Hear the riveting story of the numerous secret UAV programs around the world, starting with the Sperry Aerial Torpedo Project in 1918 (consulted by Orville Wright), the German cruise missile program, American remote controlled bombers in WWII, the Firebee recon drone used in Vietnam, Israel's highly successful UAV program, and finally the coming of age of UAV's in Operation Desert Storm.


The History Of Air Traffic Control, Rose Marie Kern Apr 2012

The History Of Air Traffic Control, Rose Marie Kern

ERAU Prescott Aviation History Program

Did you know that the United States Aviation program began as a subdivision of the Federal Bureau of Lighthouses? Hear the fascinating story of the steps taken to bring organization to to the wild, new and exciting world of aviation at the beginning of the 20th Century. Kern will also discuss how various branches of the ATC came into being as well as some future plans of the FAA.


Building A Wright Flyer - By Committee, Fred E.C. Culick Feb 2012

Building A Wright Flyer - By Committee, Fred E.C. Culick

ERAU Prescott Aviation History Program

Hear the story of the earliest aircraft from 1895 to 1908 and how the Wright Brothers successfully built the first airplane but couldn’t build the second one!


Zeppelins Over London, Ron Anderson Jan 2012

Zeppelins Over London, Ron Anderson

ERAU Prescott Aviation History Program

Hear the story of the first strategic bombing campaign in history. The target was the civilian populated areas of London in World War I. Come on board a giant Zeppelin of the Imperial German Navy Air Service and learn what these raids did, or did not accomplish, from Ron Anderson, local zeppelin historian.


General Doolittle's Elephant, Hal Cope Oct 2011

General Doolittle's Elephant, Hal Cope

ERAU Prescott Aviation History Program

Gen Jimmy Doolittle is known for many things, but hunting elephants is probably not among them! Hear the life story of this remarkable aviator from another pilot and former big game hunter, Hal Cope.