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Pilot Joe Walker and the X-1A, California, USA, 1955. Creator: NASA
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Pilot Joe Walker and the X-1A, California, USA, 1955. Creator: NASA
Pilot Joe Walker and the X-1A, California, USA, 1955. Cowboy Joe (NACA High-Speed Flight Station test pilot Joseph Walker) and his steed (Bell Aircraft Corporation X-1A). A happy Joe was photographed at Edwards Air Force Base. The X-1A was flown six times by Bell Aircraft Company pilot Jean " Skip" Ziegler in 1953. Air Force test pilots Major Charles " Chuck" Yeager and Major Arthur " Kit" Murray made 18 flights between November 21, 1953 and August 26, 1954. The X-1A was then turned over to the NACA. Joe Walker piloted the first NACA flight on July 20, 1955. Walker attemped a second flight on August 8, 1955, but an explosion damaged the aircraft just before launch. Walker, unhurt, climbed back into the JTB-29A mothership, and the X-1A was jettisoned over the Edwards AFB bombing range
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EDITORS COMMENTS
In this photo print, we are transported back to the year 1955 at Edwards Air Force Base in California, USA. The image features Pilot Joe Walker, also known as Cowboy Joe, alongside his trusty steed - the Bell Aircraft Corporation X-1A. With a wide smile on his face, Joe exudes pure joy and enthusiasm for his profession as a test pilot. The X-1A itself holds an impressive history of flights by renowned pilots such as Jean "Skip". Ziegler, Major Charles "Chuck". Yeager, and Major Arthur "Kit". Murray. After being handed over to the NACA (National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics), it was under Joe's skilled command that the first NACA flight took place on July 20th. However, not all flights go according to plan. On August 8th of that same year, tragedy struck when an explosion damaged the aircraft just before launch during Joe's attempted second flight. Thankfully, he emerged unharmed from this harrowing experience and returned safely to the JTB-29A mothership. This photograph captures not only a moment in aviation history but also showcases the bravery and resilience of those involved in pushing boundaries within space exploration. It serves as a reminder of the incredible advancements made during this era while paying tribute to individuals like Pilot Joe Walker who fearlessly propelled us into new frontiers of science and discovery.
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