Tucker, Charles

American test pilot. Flew the X-5 # 1. World War II service with the Flying Tigers in China. Test pilot after 1946 for Northrop, then Lockheed, flying the YB-49 Flying Wing, X-5, and XF-104.

Tucker joined the Civilian Pilot Training Program in 1938. He was with Major General Claire L. Chennault and the Flying Tigers during WWII as a P-40 fighter pilot and scored 4 victories in the China Theatre. After returning in 1943 he became a test pilot with the Air Force. In 1946 he separated from the service to pursue flying experimental tests as assistant chief test pilot at Northrop, flying the F-89 and YB-49 Flying Wing bomber. Tucker gained notoriety for his stall and spin tests in the YB-49 Flying Wing as well as the highly experimental X-4 Bantam which he was the first to test fly in December 1948. His experience in that aircraft inspired him to design the first full-faced shield helmet for which he was awarded a U.S. patent. In 1955 Tucker became an experimental test pilot for Lockheed, working with the XF-104 fighter and T2V projects. He also participated in the National Air Races from 1946-1949. He retired from Lockheed in 1975 as Chief Pilot. Tucker logged over 10,000 hours in a wide variety of aircraft, and was proud to be a founder and Fellow of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots as well as a member of the Quiet Birdmen.