Robert L. Stephens
Encyclopedia
Robert L. "Silver Fox" Stephens (1 December 1921 – 21 May 1984) was an American United States Air Force
test pilot
who set several speed and altitude records while testing the Lockheed YF-12
and SR-71
.
graduating from Gilmer High School in 1939 and from Texas A&M University
in 1943 with a bachelor of science degree in aeronautical engineering. The son of Mr. and Mrs. Vernon J. Stephens, he entered the Army Air Corps
shortly after the start of World War II
and flew P-47
s in combat during the conflict. After the war, he earned a master's degree in aeronautical engineering from Princeton University
.
for some of the most exotic aircraft in the USAF inventory. In 1949, he graduated from the Air Materiel Command Experimental Test Pilot School
at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base
with Class 49D. He was called the "Silver Fox" due to his prematurely gray hair which he kept in a neatly trimmed crew cut. In 1952, Stephens arrived at Edwards Air Force Base
, California
to serve as Chief of Fighter Operations. From 1963 to 1968, he served as test director of the YF-12
and SR-71
test force. He was the first military pilot to fly the YF-12A
interceptor and the SR-71
reconnaissance aircraft.
Stephens flew nearly all jet fighter aircraft of the 1940s and 1950s era from the F-80 Shooting Star to the F-106 Delta Dart
. He flight tested the YF-100A, YF-102, XF-104
, X-5
, X-1B, Navy F2H3
, F4D, the F-94
series, F-86
, F-89D
, F-89H
, and YF-101. He served as test director for the F-104
program and performed the first wingtip fuel tank jettison test. On this flight, the fuel tanks slammed into the fuselage of the F-104
instead of falling free. Stephens made an emergency landing and saved the aircraft. Working with Lockheed
engineers and other aviation consultants, he helped solve this and other problems with the F-104
.
On 1 May 1965, at Edwards Air Force Base
, pilot Stephens and fire control officer Daniel Andre, established four world speed and altitude records in the YF-12A
. They averaged 2,070 miles per hour over a 17-kilometer straight away course, then held 80,257 feet to establish a world record for sustained horizontal flight. These records stood until 1977 when they were surpassed by an SR-71
.
After retiring from the military, Stephens was the U.S. representative for the German jet engine firm, MTU
.
, Distinguished Flying Cross
, and the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal
. He was also honored with the 1965 Thompson Trophy
, 1965 Mackay Trophy
, Flying Tiger Trophy, Fédération Aéronautique Internationale
Gold Medal, Henri De La Vauix Medal, Golden Plate Award of the American Academy of Achievement, and the city of Lancaster
Aerospace Walk of Honor
. On June 18, 1966, a parade was held in Gilmer, Texas
to celebrate "Bobby Stephens Day". On October 20, 2000 in Gilmer, Texas
the Gilmer Airfield officially changed its name to "Fox Stephens Field", in honor of Colonel Stephens.
Stephens was a member of the International Order of Characters
and was a Fellow and past president of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots
.
United States Air Force
The United States Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the American uniformed services. Initially part of the United States Army, the USAF was formed as a separate branch of the military on September 18, 1947 under the National Security Act of...
test pilot
Test pilot
A test pilot is an aviator who flies new and modified aircraft in specific maneuvers, known as flight test techniques or FTTs, allowing the results to be measured and the design to be evaluated....
who set several speed and altitude records while testing the Lockheed YF-12
Lockheed YF-12
The Lockheed YF-12 was an American prototype interceptor aircraft, which the United States Air Force evaluated as a development of the highly-secret Lockheed A-12 that also spawned the SR-71 Blackbird.-Design and development:...
and SR-71
SR-71 Blackbird
The Lockheed SR-71 "Blackbird" was an advanced, long-range, Mach 3+ strategic reconnaissance aircraft. It was developed as a black project from the Lockheed A-12 reconnaissance aircraft in the 1960s by the Lockheed Skunk Works. Clarence "Kelly" Johnson was responsible for many of the...
.
Early years
Robert L. Stephens was born and raised in Gilmer, TexasGilmer, Texas
Gilmer is also the name of a county in West Virginia.Gilmer is a town in and the county seat of Upshur County, Texas, United States. It is best known for being the birthplace of popular music singer Johnny Mathis. The population was 4,799 at the 2000 census...
graduating from Gilmer High School in 1939 and from Texas A&M University
Texas A&M University
Texas A&M University is a coeducational public research university located in College Station, Texas . It is the flagship institution of the Texas A&M University System. The sixth-largest university in the United States, A&M's enrollment for Fall 2011 was over 50,000 for the first time in school...
in 1943 with a bachelor of science degree in aeronautical engineering. The son of Mr. and Mrs. Vernon J. Stephens, he entered the Army Air Corps
United States Army Air Corps
The United States Army Air Corps was a forerunner of the United States Air Force. Renamed from the Air Service on 2 July 1926, it was part of the United States Army and the predecessor of the United States Army Air Forces , established in 1941...
shortly after the start of World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
and flew P-47
P-47 Thunderbolt
Republic Aviation's P-47 Thunderbolt, also known as the "Jug", was the largest, heaviest, and most expensive fighter aircraft in history to be powered by a single reciprocating engine. It was heavily armed with eight .50-caliber machine guns, four per wing. When fully loaded, the P-47 weighed up to...
s in combat during the conflict. After the war, he earned a master's degree in aeronautical engineering from Princeton University
Princeton University
Princeton University is a private research university located in Princeton, New Jersey, United States. The school is one of the eight universities of the Ivy League, and is one of the nine Colonial Colleges founded before the American Revolution....
.
Test pilot
Stephens rose to the top of his profession as a test pilotTest pilot
A test pilot is an aviator who flies new and modified aircraft in specific maneuvers, known as flight test techniques or FTTs, allowing the results to be measured and the design to be evaluated....
for some of the most exotic aircraft in the USAF inventory. In 1949, he graduated from the Air Materiel Command Experimental Test Pilot School
U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School
The U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School is the Air Force's very advanced flight training school that trains experimental test pilots, flight test engineers, and flight test navigators to carry out tests and evaluations of new aerospace weapon systems and also other aircraft of the U.S. Air Force...
at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base
Wright-Patterson Air Force Base
Wright-Patterson Air Force Base is a United States Air Force base in Greene and Montgomery counties in the state of Ohio. It includes both Wright and Patterson Fields, which were originally Wilbur Wright Field and Fairfield Aviation General Supply Depot. Patterson Field is located approximately...
with Class 49D. He was called the "Silver Fox" due to his prematurely gray hair which he kept in a neatly trimmed crew cut. In 1952, Stephens arrived at Edwards Air Force Base
Edwards Air Force Base
Edwards Air Force Base is a United States Air Force base located on the border of Kern County, Los Angeles County, and San Bernardino County, California, in the Antelope Valley. It is southwest of the central business district of North Edwards, California and due east of Rosamond.It is named in...
, California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
to serve as Chief of Fighter Operations. From 1963 to 1968, he served as test director of the YF-12
Lockheed YF-12
The Lockheed YF-12 was an American prototype interceptor aircraft, which the United States Air Force evaluated as a development of the highly-secret Lockheed A-12 that also spawned the SR-71 Blackbird.-Design and development:...
and SR-71
SR-71 Blackbird
The Lockheed SR-71 "Blackbird" was an advanced, long-range, Mach 3+ strategic reconnaissance aircraft. It was developed as a black project from the Lockheed A-12 reconnaissance aircraft in the 1960s by the Lockheed Skunk Works. Clarence "Kelly" Johnson was responsible for many of the...
test force. He was the first military pilot to fly the YF-12A
Lockheed YF-12
The Lockheed YF-12 was an American prototype interceptor aircraft, which the United States Air Force evaluated as a development of the highly-secret Lockheed A-12 that also spawned the SR-71 Blackbird.-Design and development:...
interceptor and the SR-71
SR-71 Blackbird
The Lockheed SR-71 "Blackbird" was an advanced, long-range, Mach 3+ strategic reconnaissance aircraft. It was developed as a black project from the Lockheed A-12 reconnaissance aircraft in the 1960s by the Lockheed Skunk Works. Clarence "Kelly" Johnson was responsible for many of the...
reconnaissance aircraft.
Stephens flew nearly all jet fighter aircraft of the 1940s and 1950s era from the F-80 Shooting Star to the F-106 Delta Dart
F-106 Delta Dart
The Convair F-106 Delta Dart was the primary all-weather interceptor aircraft for the United States Air Force from the 1960s through the 1980s. Designed as the so-called "Ultimate Interceptor", it has proven to be the last dedicated interceptor in USAF service to date...
. He flight tested the YF-100A, YF-102, XF-104
Lockheed XF-104
The Lockheed XF-104 was a single-engine, high-performance, supersonic interceptor prototype for a United States Air Force series of lightweight and simple fighters. Only two aircraft were built, one aircraft was used primarily for aerodynamic research and the other served as an armament testbed....
, X-5
Bell X-5
-See also:-Bibliography:* Hallion, Richard P. On The Frontier: Flight Research At Dryden 1946-1981 . Washington, DC: National Aeronautics and Space Administration, 1984 . ISBN 1-58834-134-8....
, X-1B, Navy F2H3
F2H Banshee
The McDonnell F2H Banshee was a single-seat carrier-based jet fighter aircraft deployed by the United States Navy and United States Marine Corps from 1948 to 1961. It was one of the primary American fighters used during the Korean War and was the only jet-powered fighter ever deployed by the Royal...
, F4D, the F-94
F-94 Starfire
The Lockheed F-94 Starfire was the United States Air Force's first operational jet-powered all-weather interceptor aircraft. It was a development by Lockheed of the twin-seat T-33 Shooting Star trainer aircraft.-Design and development:...
series, F-86
F-86 Sabre
The North American F-86 Sabre was a transonic jet fighter aircraft. Produced by North American Aviation, the Sabre is best known as America's first swept wing fighter which could counter the similarly-winged Soviet MiG-15 in high speed dogfights over the skies of the Korean War...
, F-89D
F-89 Scorpion
The Northrop F-89 Scorpion was an early American jet-powered fighter designed from the outset as an all-weather interceptor. Though its straight wings limited its performance, it was among the first USAF jet fighters with guided missiles, and notably the first combat aircraft armed with air-to-air...
, F-89H
F-89 Scorpion
The Northrop F-89 Scorpion was an early American jet-powered fighter designed from the outset as an all-weather interceptor. Though its straight wings limited its performance, it was among the first USAF jet fighters with guided missiles, and notably the first combat aircraft armed with air-to-air...
, and YF-101. He served as test director for the F-104
F-104 Starfighter
The Lockheed F-104 Starfighter is a single-engine, high-performance, supersonic interceptor aircraft originally developed for the United States Air Force by Lockheed. One of the Century Series of aircraft, it served with the USAF from 1958 until 1969, and continued with Air National Guard units...
program and performed the first wingtip fuel tank jettison test. On this flight, the fuel tanks slammed into the fuselage of the F-104
F-104 Starfighter
The Lockheed F-104 Starfighter is a single-engine, high-performance, supersonic interceptor aircraft originally developed for the United States Air Force by Lockheed. One of the Century Series of aircraft, it served with the USAF from 1958 until 1969, and continued with Air National Guard units...
instead of falling free. Stephens made an emergency landing and saved the aircraft. Working with Lockheed
Lockheed Corporation
The Lockheed Corporation was an American aerospace company. Lockheed was founded in 1912 and later merged with Martin Marietta to form Lockheed Martin in 1995.-Origins:...
engineers and other aviation consultants, he helped solve this and other problems with the F-104
F-104 Starfighter
The Lockheed F-104 Starfighter is a single-engine, high-performance, supersonic interceptor aircraft originally developed for the United States Air Force by Lockheed. One of the Century Series of aircraft, it served with the USAF from 1958 until 1969, and continued with Air National Guard units...
.
On 1 May 1965, at Edwards Air Force Base
Edwards Air Force Base
Edwards Air Force Base is a United States Air Force base located on the border of Kern County, Los Angeles County, and San Bernardino County, California, in the Antelope Valley. It is southwest of the central business district of North Edwards, California and due east of Rosamond.It is named in...
, pilot Stephens and fire control officer Daniel Andre, established four world speed and altitude records in the YF-12A
Lockheed YF-12
The Lockheed YF-12 was an American prototype interceptor aircraft, which the United States Air Force evaluated as a development of the highly-secret Lockheed A-12 that also spawned the SR-71 Blackbird.-Design and development:...
. They averaged 2,070 miles per hour over a 17-kilometer straight away course, then held 80,257 feet to establish a world record for sustained horizontal flight. These records stood until 1977 when they were surpassed by an SR-71
SR-71 Blackbird
The Lockheed SR-71 "Blackbird" was an advanced, long-range, Mach 3+ strategic reconnaissance aircraft. It was developed as a black project from the Lockheed A-12 reconnaissance aircraft in the 1960s by the Lockheed Skunk Works. Clarence "Kelly" Johnson was responsible for many of the...
.
After retiring from the military, Stephens was the U.S. representative for the German jet engine firm, MTU
MTU Aero Engines
MTU Aero Engines GmbH is Germany's leading aircraft engine manufacturer. MTU develops, manufactures and provides service support for military and civil aircraft engines...
.
Personal life
Stephens died in 1984 and was buried in Gilmer City Cemetery. He is survived by his widow, Joy, and three daughters.Honors
Stephens was awarded the following medals for his military service: Legion of MeritLegion of Merit
The Legion of Merit is a military decoration of the United States armed forces that is awarded for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements...
, Distinguished Flying Cross
Distinguished Flying Cross (United States)
The Distinguished Flying Cross is a medal awarded to any officer or enlisted member of the United States armed forces who distinguishes himself or herself in support of operations by "heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in an aerial flight, subsequent to November 11, 1918." The...
, and the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal
Meritorious Service Medal (United States)
The Meritorious Service Medal is a military decoration presented to members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguished themselves by outstanding meritorious achievement or service to the United States subsequent to January 16, 1969...
. He was also honored with the 1965 Thompson Trophy
Thompson trophy
The Thompson Trophy race was one of the National Air Races of the heyday of early airplane racing in the 1930s. Established in 1929, the last race was held in 1961. The race was long with pylons marking the turns, and emphasized low altitude flying and maneuverability at high speeds...
, 1965 Mackay Trophy
MacKay trophy
The Mackay Trophy was established on 27 January 1911 by Clarence Hungerford Mackay, who was then head of the Postal Telegraph-Cable Company and the Commercial Cable Company. Originally, aviators could compete for the trophy annually under rules made each year or the War Department could award the...
, Flying Tiger Trophy, Fédération Aéronautique Internationale
Fédération Aéronautique Internationale
The Fédération Aéronautique Internationale is the world governing body for air sports and aeronautics and astronautics world records. Its head office is in Lausanne, Switzerland. This includes man-carrying aerospace vehicles from balloons to spacecraft, and unmanned aerial vehicles...
Gold Medal, Henri De La Vauix Medal, Golden Plate Award of the American Academy of Achievement, and the city of Lancaster
Lancaster, California
Lancaster is a charter city in northern Los Angeles County, in the high desert, near the Kern County line. Lancaster currently ranks as the 30th largest city in California, and the 148th largest city in the United States. Lancaster is the principal city within the Antelope Valley...
Aerospace Walk of Honor
Aerospace Walk of Honor
The Aerospace Walk of Honor in Lancaster, California, USA, honors test pilots who have contributed to aviation and space research and development....
. On June 18, 1966, a parade was held in Gilmer, Texas
Gilmer, Texas
Gilmer is also the name of a county in West Virginia.Gilmer is a town in and the county seat of Upshur County, Texas, United States. It is best known for being the birthplace of popular music singer Johnny Mathis. The population was 4,799 at the 2000 census...
to celebrate "Bobby Stephens Day". On October 20, 2000 in Gilmer, Texas
Gilmer, Texas
Gilmer is also the name of a county in West Virginia.Gilmer is a town in and the county seat of Upshur County, Texas, United States. It is best known for being the birthplace of popular music singer Johnny Mathis. The population was 4,799 at the 2000 census...
the Gilmer Airfield officially changed its name to "Fox Stephens Field", in honor of Colonel Stephens.
Stephens was a member of the International Order of Characters
International Order of Characters
The International Order of Characters is an organization dedicated to improving the fields of Aviation and Aerospace. The IOC also provides financial assistance to persons and organizations in fields related to Aviation and other technology industries....
and was a Fellow and past president of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots
Society of Experimental Test Pilots
The Society of Experimental Test Pilots is an international organization that seeks to promote air safety and contributes to aeronautical advancement by promoting sound aeronautical design and development; interchanging ideas, thoughts and suggestions of the members, assisting in the professional...
.
External links
- Stephens Records from Blackbird Timeline. Habus.org. Retrieved June 7, 2008.
- Stephen's Burial Site Findagrave.com. Retrieved May 26, 2009.