Stephens, Robert
Person · USA
Original archive entry. The text, images and links below are kept as they were written.
American test pilot. Flew the X-1B. Set several speed and altitude records while testing the Lockheed YF-12 and SR-71.
Born Gilmore Texas. Flew P-47's in combat in World War II. After gaining a Master's Degree in engineering and graduating from the USAF Test Pilot School, he flight tested nearly all jet fighter aircraft of the 1950's and 1960's. Test director for the F-104 program. Tested the Mach 3 SR-71 and YF-12A. After retirement in 1973 became US representative of the German MTU jet engine company. Died in Germany.
Related
Chronology
3 events
1921 December 1
- Birth of Robert Stephens. - . Related Persons: Stephens. American test pilot. Flew the X-1B. Set several speed and altitude records while testing the Lockheed YF-12 and SR-71..
1954 October 13
- X-1B Flight 5 - . Crew: Stephens. Payload: X-1B flight 4. Nation: USA. Related Persons: Stephens. Class: Manned. Type: Manned rocketplane. Spacecraft Bus: XS-1. Spacecraft: X-1B. AF flight 4..
1984 May 21
- Death of Robert Stephens. - . Related Persons: Stephens. American test pilot. Flew the X-1B. Set several speed and altitude records while testing the Lockheed YF-12 and SR-71..