Aerotech News and Review – Journal of Aerospace, Defense Industry and Veteran News, serving the Antelope Valley and Edwards AFB, CA
Desert Lightning News Digital Edition – October 19, 2018
Welcome to the Aerotech News and Review Digital Edition! We pay tribute this week to the life of Stratolaunch Systems founder Paul Allen, who passed away Oct. 15 after a battle with non-Hodgkins lymphoma. He was 65. Widely known as co-founder of tech giant Microsoft, Allen holds a special place in the Antelope Valley aviation/ aerospace community, starting with his investment in Burt Rutan’s SpaceShipOne suborbital commercial spacecraft in 2004. Allen was also the driving force behind Stratolaunch, a beautiful behemoth of an aircraft/ orbital launch system, currently in development at the Mojave Air and Space Port. In addition, Allen’s Vulcan Aerospace plans and executes projects to shift how the world conceptualizes space travel, through cost reduction and on-demand access. Godspeed, Paul, and THANK YOU for your lasting legacy and contributions to Aerospace Valley. Also this week, we look at the legacy of a group of influential women in the field of flight test, with coverage of the 2018 Gathering of Eagles. The 2018 “class” of Eagles includes Cynthia “CJ” Bixby, Dr. Eileen A. Bjorkman, Laurie Grindle, Kelly J. Latimer, Sandra Miarecki, PhD and Florence Lowe “Pancho” Barnes. Click through to page 3 to learn more about the lives and influence of these amazing pilots and engineers. And for a bit of nostalgic fun, check out this week’s installment of Bob Alvis’ High Desert Hangar Stories on page 7. This week, Bob introduces us to WWII ace Gen. Robert Scott and his impromptu stint as a stunt pilot during the filming of the Abbott and Costello flick “Keep “Em Flying.” Great reading for your weekend – all ready for you, in this week’s edition of Aerotech News! Hard copies of the paper are available at our usual delivery points throughout the Antelope Valley – pick one up when you’re out and about this weekend, or click on the link below and access a digital copy of Aerotech News, viewable on your computer or mobile device. “Like” our Facebook page for daily news updates and access to our website, story and photo archives. It’s our privilege to serve you – have a great weekend! #aerotechnews #eafbnews
