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Author
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Topic: Crossfield Flight Research Center (was: Dryden)
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E2M Lem Man
Member Posts: 846
From: Los Angeles CA. USA
Registered: Jan 2005
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posted 06-08-2009 05:38 PM
   
A couple years ago there was a call to rename the Dryden Flight Research Center for Neil Armstrong. He instead will be honored with the name of the first new moon base.Hugh Dryden helped start NACA, and helped NASA get Apollo started, but he died in 1965. If there is to be a new name why not name it for a native born Californian who did more test flying for NACA than any man? Who left NACA to create and develop and then test fly the X-15, helped design Apollo at North American Aviation, run Eastern Airlines and then help create future high speed aircraft? Finally he recreated the Wright Flyer for the 100th anniversary of flight, but died three years ago flying his personal aircraft? Let's write to Congress to rename it: The A. Scott Crossfield Flight Research Center! |
machbusterman
Member Posts: 1778
From: Dunfermline, Fife, Scotland
Registered: May 2004
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posted 06-15-2009 02:23 PM
I have the utmost admiration and respect for Scott Crossfield but I honestly can't see what's wrong with the current name of the center.If someone suggested renaming Edwards AFB after Chuck Yeager there would be an outcry! Let Dryden be Dryden!! |
E2M Lem Man
Member Posts: 846
From: Los Angeles CA. USA
Registered: Jan 2005
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posted 06-15-2009 03:22 PM
Surprisingly, I agree with you. Hugh L. Dryden was the administrator for the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics or NACA many years before there was a NASA. He helped lead the way into research for high speed aircraft like the X-1, etc. Upon the changeover to NASA, he became it's first Deputy Administrator, who started Project Mercury, and many credit him for being the "inside man" who convinced President Kennedy we should make the Moon the national goal. He died in 1965. Even if Scott was alive he would say "keep it named for Hugh, but please don't give to to Yeager!" I stated that "IF" it had to be renamed, Scott Crossfield would be a better name for the center, where he served, than Armstrong. I have great respect for Neil, but we owe so much to Crossfield, especially in this year! |
machbusterman
Member Posts: 1778
From: Dunfermline, Fife, Scotland
Registered: May 2004
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posted 06-16-2009 01:38 PM
I absolutely agree! Besides, Yeager has a road at Edwards named after him already... the only road named after a pilot that wasn't killed whilst flying at Muroc/Edwards. I don't think Scotty was much of a Yeager fan.The Flight Test Historical Foundation will be honouring Scotty (and other X-15 program participants) at this years Gathering of Eagles in Lancaster, CA on October 16th. |
albatron
Member Posts: 2732
From: Stuart, Florida
Registered: Jun 2000
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posted 06-16-2009 07:04 PM
quote:
Originally posted by machbusterman:
If someone suggested renaming Edwards AFB after Chuck Yeager there would be an outcry!
Well. I mean. Yeager?  |
E2M Lem Man
Member Posts: 846
From: Los Angeles CA. USA
Registered: Jan 2005
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posted 06-17-2009 04:19 PM
As a matter of fact, Scotty got a street named for him before Yeager.Scotty was flying the XF-92 and it's brakes failed and he saw a berm coming up so he stomped on the left brake footpad - he managed to make the turn, so they named that road the "Crossfield turnpike".
Movie fans will remember that this is where General Banner "crashed" his F-102 (again the XF-92 standing in)at the beginning of "towards the Unknown". |
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