On This Day in Test History

Jan. 2, 2021
January 2, 1945: First Large-Thrust Rocket Motor Test Station

The California Institute of Technology Research and Development Service Sub-Office (Rocket) received approval to establish the nation’s first large-thrust rocket motor test station. The test stand and its related facilities would be built on land adjoining the Materiel Command Flight Test Base at
Dec. 31, 2020
December 31, 2000: Air Force Outstanding Unit Award

The 95th Communications Squadron earned the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award (AFOUA) for the period 1 January through 31 December 2000. The award cited the squadron's exceptional service while undergoing a 35-percent reduction in manpower and a 40-percent cut in its operating budget.The Air Force
Dec. 30, 2020
December 30, 2001: Global Hawk AV-5 Experienced a Class A Mishap

Global Hawk AV-5 experienced a Class A mishap when it crashed in the United Arab Emirates during a mission in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. The Unmanned Aerial Vehicle experienced a control malfunction during a landing sequence. At the time, the UAV was under the cognizance of the AAC. The
Dec. 29, 2020
December 29, 1943: Col Signa A. Gilkey Recommended Main Base Muroc Training Mission Placed Under Materiel Command

The chief of Wright Field’s Flight Section, Col Signa A. Gilkey, recommended that the main base at Muroc be divested of its training mission and placed under the jurisdiction of Materiel Command. The combined Army airfield and flight test site would then be used exclusively for the flight-testing
Dec. 28, 2020
December 28, 1955: Firing of Aerojet-General’s Duck was Conducted at Rocket Engine Test Site

The first firing of Aerojet-General Corporation’s Duck (WS 122A) was conducted at the Rocket Engine Test Site. Although successful, this small program was canceled two months later.Aerojet was an American rocket and missile propulsion manufacturer based primarily in Rancho Cordova, California, with
Dec. 27, 2020
December 27, 1950: Skyray Arrived for Evaluation of Stability and Control of Navy’s First Delta-Winged Fighter.

The Douglas XF4D-1 Skyray arrived for evaluation of the stability and control of the Navy’s first delta-winged fighter. The XF4D was a small aircraft with rounded delta wingtips, and went on to operational use with shipboard squadrons.The Douglas F4D Skyray (later redesignated F-6 Skyray) is an
Dec. 26, 2020
December 26, 2004: Creation of Two Hypersonic Flight Corridors

The public comment period ended for a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for two potential hypersonic flight corridors. The study, drafted by the AFFTC with support from the Dryden DFRC, called for planning two ultra-high-speed corridors from Edwards some 40 to 60 miles into Nevada and
Dec. 24, 2020
December 24, 1941: California Coastal Patrol Training

The 30th Bombardment Group arrived at Muroc to conduct antisubmarine patrols and train bomber crews for other units. The 2d Reconnaissance Squadron arrived at Muroc that same evening to patrol the coastal zone. These groups flew the YB‑17 Flying Fortress, B-18 Bolo and LB-30 (an export version of
Dec. 23, 2020
December 23, 1954: Joint Project for a New High Speed Research Airplane

A three-way NACA-USAF-USN Memorandum of Understanding, “Joint Project for a New High Speed Research Airplane,” was signed, opening the way for the X-15 program.Despite the fact that it is one of the most celebrated experimental aircraft ever flown, most historical writings have always had a rather
Dec. 22, 2020
December 22, 1964: T-27 Space Flight Simulator

General John P. McConnell, Air Force Vice Chief of Staff, accepted the T-27 Space Flight Simulator from the Link Division, General Precision, Inc. president at the Aerospace Research Pilot School. The tilting, 15-ton mechanism was capable of simulating the motion, sights and sounds of space flight

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