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Twenty-five years ago this month, the storied Rutan Model 76 Voyager aircraft successfully completed history’s first non-stop, non-refueled flight around the world.  The crew of Dick Rutan and Jeana Yeager departed Edwards Air Force on Sunday, 14 December 1986 and returned 216 hours, 3 minutes and 44 seconds later on Tuesday, 23 December 1986.  The FAI-official distance covered during the flight was 21,707.6 nm.  For their efforts, the flight crew, Burt Rutan (designer), and Bruce Evans (builder and crew chief) received the 1986 Collier Trophy.

Posted in Aerospace, History

Debut of the Area Rule

Fifty-seven years ago today, the No. 1 USAF/Convair YF-102A (S/N 53-1787) aircraft flew for the first time on a flight that originated from Lindbergh Field near San Diego, California.  A redesigned variant of the USAF/Convair YF-102, the delta wing aircraft incorporated a new drag-reducing design feature known as Whitecomb’s Area Rule.  Applied for the first time on the YF-102A airframe, this innovative design technique proved to be entirely successful.  Whereas the YF-102 could not go supersonic in level flight, the YF-102A was able easily exceed Mach 1 in a climb and cruise at Mach 1.2.

Posted in Aerospace, History

Project SCORE

Fifty-three years ago this month, the USAF/RCA Project SCORE spacecraft became the world’s first communications satellite.  Within 24 hours of being orbited by an Atlas B intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), the SCORE (Signal Communications Orbit Relay Equipment) payload broadcast a Christmas message to the world recorded by U. S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower.  The president’s message was the first time a human voice was heard from space.

Posted in Aerospace, History

2011 Short Course Lineup Ends on a High Note

White Eagle Aerospace wrapped up its 2011 short course lineup with the highly sought-after Fundamentals of Electro-Optics and Infrared Sensors (FEOIR) course. The training program, developed and taught by subject matter expert John L. Minor, provides an excellent foundation for individuals working in the field of EO/IR. The short course was held 05-08 December 2011 at the AERO Institute in Palmdale, CA.

The FEOIR course debuted in White Eagle Aerospace’s curriculum early this year and has garnered worldwide interest from industry professionals. For those seeking a comprehensive training in the fundamentals of EO/IR, the course is unrivaled. As one participant observed, “No such course is available [elsewhere]…every new engineer in my department should register for the course.”

FEOIR Dec 2011 Class Photo

Class Photo
Fundamentals of Electro-Optics and Infrared Sensors
AERO Institute • Palmdale, CA
05 – 08 December 2011

The upcoming 2012 year will see the addition of two more in-demand courses from Sensors & Systems Instructor John L. Minor; Principles of Directed Infrared Countermeasures (DIRCM) and Fundamentals of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, Missions & Systems (UAV) which is taught jointly with world renowned electronic warfare expert David L. Adamy. White Eagle Aerospace will be releasing its 2012 course calendar within the next few weeks.

The WEA team is extremely grateful to each student in attendance. Special thanks to Jose Hernandez and Michael McKie of the AERO Institute who consistently provide remarkable service to White Eagle Aerospace instructors, staff and students.

Posted in News

Birth of a Legend

Sixty-four years ago this month, the USAF/Boeing XB-47 Stratojet took to the air for the first time.  The legendary Stratojet would go on to become the first all-turbojet strategic bomber to enter operational service with the United States Air Force.

Posted in Aerospace, History

Fundamentals of Hypersonics Course Offered at Edwards Air Force Base

White Eagle Aerospace recently returned to Edwards Air Force Base, CA where Aerosciences Instructor J. Terry White taught his Fundamentals of Hypersonics(FOH) short course. The training was held 29 November – 02 December 2011 at the Air Force Flight Test Center (AFFTC) Engineering Development Flight (EDF) and drew participants from both military and civilian sectors.

This marks the second time Mr. White has presented the FOH short course in the past two months, with an earlier offering at the Ohio Aerospace Institute in Cleveland, OH. FOH is an intense training program that provides participants with a sound understanding of hypersonic aerophysics and the effects of the hypersonic flight environment on vehicle loads and performance.

FOH Nov 2011 Class Photo

Class Photo
Fundamentals of Hypersonics
Edwards Air Force Base, CA
29 November – 02 December 2011

The AFFTC is the Air Force Materiel Command center of excellence for research, development, and test and evaluation of aerospace systems for the United States and its allies. It also operates the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School and supports non-military government agencies. The combat, combat support and training capabilities of most of the Air Force’s weapons systems were first proven there, giving the AFFTC a direct link to each of the Air Force’s core competencies.

White Eagle Aerospace extends a special thank you to each student in attendance, as well as sincere gratitude to the following individuals who have been instrumental in facilitating this course: Ms. Linda Harrison, Ms. Cathy Clum and Ms. Laura Blank.

Posted in News
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