One Hundred Years of Flight USAF Chronology ... - The Air University
One Hundred Years of Flight USAF Chronology ... - The Air University
One Hundred Years of Flight USAF Chronology ... - The Air University
You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
1947–48<br />
October 14: Capt. Charles E. “Chuck” Yeager made the first faster-thansound<br />
flight at Muroc <strong>Air</strong> Base, California, in a rocket-powered <strong>USAF</strong><br />
research plane—Bell XS–1—and won the Mackay Trophy for the most<br />
meritorious flight <strong>of</strong> the year.<br />
December 30: <strong>The</strong> National Military Establishment (predecessor <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Department <strong>of</strong> Defense) gave the <strong>Air</strong> Force management responsibility<br />
for the Joint Long Range Proving Ground, including Cape<br />
Canaveral, Florida, and down-range sites.<br />
1948<br />
January 30: Orville Wright died in Dayton, Ohio, at the age <strong>of</strong> 76.<br />
February 20: Strategic <strong>Air</strong> Command received its first B–50 Superfortress<br />
bomber, an improved version <strong>of</strong> the B–29 with larger engines, a taller<br />
tail fin and rudder, and equipment for in-flight refueling.<br />
62<br />
W. Stuart Symington, the first secretary <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Air</strong> Force, and Gen.<br />
Carl A. Spaatz, the first <strong>USAF</strong> chief <strong>of</strong> staff, in 1947<br />
Gen. Curtis E. LeMay became<br />
commander <strong>of</strong> Strategic <strong>Air</strong><br />
Command in 1948 and chief <strong>of</strong><br />
staff <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Air</strong> Force in 1961.
Change language