The Derry and Richards Memorial Medal
Awarded to a test pilot who has made an outstanding contribution in advancing the art and science of aviation.
GRAHAM TOMLINSON
Citation:
As the Joint Strike Fighter Lead STOVL test pilot, Graham Tomlinson recently piloted the F-35B during its maiden hover and vertical landing. Another first class flight test achievement in an action packed career that epitomises a lifetime devoted to aviation.
After his first flight, at the age of 15, in an Auster Autocrat, Graham joined Bristol UAS in 1968 whilst studying Aeronautical Engineering. On graduation he joined the RAF and was posted to the Harrier Force in Germany for his first assignment. In 1975, he was awarded the first of three Queen’s Commendations for Valuable Service in the Air when he recovered a stricken Harrier following a serious hydraulic system failure.
Thirty one years of outstanding contribution to military test flying started in 1979, graduating from ETPS at Boscombe Down where he received the coveted McKenna Trophy and the Hawker Hunter and Sir Alan Cobham Awards. His exceptional flying skills made him a clear choice for a variety of experimental test flying roles. He participated in Tornado, Jaguar, Phantom, Hunter and Harrier projects highlighting his innate versatility across a wide variety of types. A highlight of this tour was his lead test pilot role during the Sea Harrier FRS1 First of Class Flight Trials onboard HMS Invincible.
After a posting to the USA at NAS Patuxent River as the UK Harrier GR5 project test pilot, followed by a Harrier flight commander tour in Belize, he joined British Aerospace in 1986. His engineering prowess and consummate professionalism made him an instant success with his engineering peers, quickly gaining the reputation as one of the most observant and thorough test pilots of the era. He was duly promoted to Chief Test Pilot in 1993.
After 6 years of tireless dedication to flight test accumulating over 2800 hours in Harriers alone, he was invited to apply his vast experience to the X-35 JSF programme during the Concept Demonstration Phase. Following contract award, he relocated to Fort Worth, Texas, as the lead STOVL test pilot. Graham’s contribution to the JSF program cannot be overstated. As an inspirational figurehead for the many project teams, he was instrumental in shaping the aircraft’s flight control system and contributed numerous innovative ideas to the design of the aircraft. His pivotal role in the flight test planning and safe execution culminated in a faultless performance as the pilot of the maiden hover and vertical landing of the world’s first stealthy STOVL fighter.
Throughout his career, Graham has excelled as a natural leader with exceptional engineering judgement, boundless innovation, disarming humility and above all a great pair of hands; this sets him apart as one of the truly great test pilots. For a lifetime dedicated to flight test, he is accordingly awarded the Derry and Richards Memorial Medal.
The Medal was presented at the Guild's annual 'Trophies and Awards Banquet' at the London Guildhall at the end of last month.
GAPAN - The Guild of Air Pilots & Air Navigators
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