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8 x 10 b/w Photo, Signed by X-4 BANTAM TEST PILOT CHARLES TUCKER- Great Signature and Title " CHARLES TUCKER 1ST FLIGHT 15 DEC,1948 "-The first X-4 arrived at Muroc Air Force Base by truck on 15 November 1948. Over the course of several weeks, engineers conducted static tests, and Northrop test pilot Charles Tucker made initial taxi runs. Although small of stature, he barely fit into the diminutive craft. Tucker, a veteran Northrop test pilot, had previously flown the XB-35 and YB-49 flying wing bomber prototypes. Prior to flying for Northrop, he had logged 400 hours in jet airplanes as a test pilot for Lockheed and the Air Force. He would now be responsible for completing the contractor phase of the X-4 flight test program. Finally, all was ready. Tucker climbed into the cockpit, and made the first flight on 15 December 1948. It only lasted 18 minutes, allowing just enough time for the pilot to become familiar with the basic handling qualities of the craft. The X-4 handled well, but Tucker noted some longitudinal instability at all speeds. Data generated during the initial flight led to design changes that improved handling and performance. The joint NACA/USAF program consisted of 82 flights to evaluate handling qualities, stability and control, and performance at various lift-to-drag ratios. NACA pilots during the program included Stanley Butchart, George Cooper, Scott Crossfield, John Griffith, Walter Jones, John "Jack" McKay, and Joe Walker. The Air Force pilots included B/Gen. Albert Boyd, Col. Frank "Pete" Everest, Lt. Col. Richard Johnson, Capt. J. S. Nash, and Maj. Charles "Chuck" Yeager. Powered by eBay Turbo ListerThe free listing tool. List your items fast and easy and manage your active items.
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