Details:

Commemorative cover honoring the first supersonic flight, signed by four individuals who contributed to the advancement of American aviation and flight research. The cover bears the signatures of Fred J. Ascani, Bob Cardenas, Bob Hoover, and Gerald M. Truszynski. Truszynski has added the inscription, “NACA Instrumentation Engr.,” identifying his role with the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics. The cover is postmarked at Edwards Air Force Base, California, on October 14, 1997, marking the 50th anniversary of Chuck Yeager’s historic Mach 1 flight.

Fine condition. 

Fred J. Ascani (1917-2003) was a United States Air Force officer, test pilot, and aerospace engineer who served as chief of the Air Force Flight Test Center at Edwards Air Force Base. He played an important role in the development and testing of numerous experimental and production aircraft during the postwar era.

Robert L. “Bob” Cardenas (1920-2020) was a combat pilot, test pilot, and Air Force general. During the Bell X-1 program, he piloted the B-29 mothership that carried the X-1 prior to many of its research flights, including preparations leading to the first supersonic flight.

Robert A. “Bob” Hoover (1922-2016) was one of America’s most accomplished test pilots and aerobatic pilots. A contemporary of Chuck Yeager, Hoover flew as a military test pilot before becoming internationally known for his precision aerobatic demonstrations.

Gerald M. Truszynski (1929-2019) was an instrumentation and electrical engineer with the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA), later NASA. He worked on flight research instrumentation during the early supersonic era and went on to serve in senior leadership roles at NASA, including Director of the Lewis Research Center (now NASA Glenn Research Center).

Authentication:
Includes a full letter of authenticity from JG Autographs, Inc.

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Reference sku: 11667 1416613-1