RIP Chuck Yeager
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 1999
Location: ex EGNM, now NZRO
Posts: 551
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
RIP Chuck Yeager
RIP Chuck (mods feel free to delete if this is anywhere else)
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/...-death-aged-97
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/...-death-aged-97
Undoubtedly a character with courage approaching foolhardiness. A more creditable quality in fighter pilots than test pilots.
I don't know if the accident report of his episode in the rocket powered F104 was ever publicly released. I have talked to a NASA Dryden (the 'civilian' side of Edwards AFB) test pilot who previously had flown it over 100,000ft. The brief was clear, achieve the required climb angle and centre the elevator before flameout of the Jet (which powered the hydraulics). On Yeager's flight the briefed climb angle was not achieved, and just before flameout the stick was pulled fully rearward to attempt to reach it (and therefore the target altitude). The resultant locked fully up elevator prevented recovery as the aircraft regained aerodynamic control. The limited thrust Reaction Control System was unable to overcome the elevator. and the resultant flat spin prevented engine relight. The NASA Director was somewhat cross, and I believe General Yeager took no part in any other NASA Advanced testing.
I don't know if the accident report of his episode in the rocket powered F104 was ever publicly released. I have talked to a NASA Dryden (the 'civilian' side of Edwards AFB) test pilot who previously had flown it over 100,000ft. The brief was clear, achieve the required climb angle and centre the elevator before flameout of the Jet (which powered the hydraulics). On Yeager's flight the briefed climb angle was not achieved, and just before flameout the stick was pulled fully rearward to attempt to reach it (and therefore the target altitude). The resultant locked fully up elevator prevented recovery as the aircraft regained aerodynamic control. The limited thrust Reaction Control System was unable to overcome the elevator. and the resultant flat spin prevented engine relight. The NASA Director was somewhat cross, and I believe General Yeager took no part in any other NASA Advanced testing.
For anyone interested in this story, have a look at this site: NF104 | Unwanted Record for Chuck Yeager
The relevant bits, if you want to know more about Yeager's accident, are part 11 (linked to above), 12 and 13, but the rest of the story (use links at top of page) is equally interesting. Written by Robert W. Smith, main test pilot for the AeroSpace Trainer (NF-104 AST).
The relevant bits, if you want to know more about Yeager's accident, are part 11 (linked to above), 12 and 13, but the rest of the story (use links at top of page) is equally interesting. Written by Robert W. Smith, main test pilot for the AeroSpace Trainer (NF-104 AST).
I know it's customary to partake in iconoclasm following a death, but having met many people who met him in period, my abiding impression is that Yeager was not a team player, or indeed someone you'd want to work with or for.
One cannot deny his record of achievement but that doesn't necessarily qualify him for other accolades.
One cannot deny his record of achievement but that doesn't necessarily qualify him for other accolades.
Yeager was not a team player, or indeed someone you'd want to work with or for
Yeager is said to have had two ejections, what was the other besides the NF-104?
Bob Hoover, now there's a real pilot, one who stood head and shoulders above Yeager IMHO.
I had the pleasure of meeting and briefly chatting to Chuck Yeager at a Warbirds Over Wanaka airshow many years ago.
I've still got my copy of the airshow programme which he kindly autographed for me.
I've still got my copy of the airshow programme which he kindly autographed for me.
