2025 Gathering of Eagles - Celebrating the X-29 Awards Ceremony

Описание: The Gathering of Eagles is a yearly celebration of the Flight Test Historical Foundation to acknowledge significant achievements in the flight testing of aerospace vehicles. The celebration honors both significant events and individuals that have made these events possible.

Funded by DARPA, the United States Air Force, and NASA, the X-29 was developed by Grumman, and the two built were flown by NASA and the United States Air Force. The aerodynamic instability of the X-29’s airframe required the use of computerized fly-by-wire control. Composite materials were used to control the aeroelastic divergent twisting experienced by forward-swept wings, and to reduce weight. The aircraft first flew in 1984 and became the first forward-swept wing aircraft to break the sound barrier in level flight.
The GOE celebrated and honored the key flight test pilots and engineers who took the aircraft through its paces and get an intimate behind-the-scenes look at the events that shattered the analog world and ushered in the digital age of aviation.
Honorary Chairmen
Ken Szalai, X-29 NASA Program Manager and NASA Dryden Center Director
Jim Allburn, X-29 Darpa Program Manager
Eagles & Falcon Awardees
Steve Ishmael, NASA Research Test Pilot
Dana Purifoy, AF Test Pilot
Rogers Smith, NASA Research Test Pilot
Kurt Schroeder, Grumman Chief Test Pilot
Joe Gera, NASA Flight Test Engineer
Dave Vanhoy, AF Flight Test Engineer

All the recipients receive their awards and then engage in the discussion. Participants include Hoover Award Winner & Eagle Rogers Smith, Eagle Kurt Schroeder, Eagle Dana Purifoy and Falcon Dave Vanhoy. Eagle Steve Ishmael and Falcon Steve Gera were unable to join us.