by Nigel Blackwell | Life
In our world of iPhones and fast food on every corner, I think it’s difficult to appreciate historical achievements. Even in the first world countries, a hundred years ago it pretty much took all of your life just to put a meal on the table. Things weren’t much...
by Nigel Blackwell | Planes
The facts, fiction, and body of knowledge the X-15 generated is enormous. School kids should be taught about it as one of the great things the US should be proud of. In fact, I do bring it up with them, but (contrary to what you may have heard) I do have some sympathy...
by Nigel Blackwell | Planes
Last week we met John Stapp and his courageous efforts to improve the safety of aircrew and car drivers alike. Crash safety was only one of many projects Stapp undertook. After the Gee Whiz, John rode another rocket sled, the Sonic Wind. The Sonic Wind exposed John to...
by Nigel Blackwell | Planes
In the years after Yeager broke Mach 1 in the X-1, the plane and its growing band of pilots were frequent visitors to the front pages of newspapers and magazines around the world; Life, Time, and probably even Pony Weekly featured articles. This set the publics...