Royal Aeronautical Society Podcast

The Scott Crossfield Interview

North American test pilot Scott Crossfield, the first man to fly at twice the speed of sound Douglas D-558-2 Skyrocket, describes the achievements of the flying characteristics of the X series and also gives listeners the benefit of his thorough understanding of the engineering and aerodynamic aspects of the project, including the development of the North American Aviation X-15 rocket plane which brought man to the edge of space. The interview took place in 1979 and was conducted by Rodney Giesler and edited by Mike Stanberry MRAeS.

The Chuck Yeager Interview

Chuck Yeager, one of the most famous test pilots in US aviation history, takes listeners though the development of the rocket-propelled Bell XS-1 / X-1 in which he became the first man to fly faster than the speed of sound in level flight, including taking us through the test flights and politics of the X-1 flight programme. Yeager also discusses the flight tests of the X-1a, Northrop X-4 Bantam and McDonnell F-4 Phantom, then discusses some of his contemporaries in the test pilot seat, including working with Neville Duke on the Hawker Hunter. Yeager finishes off by talking about the Lockheed F-104 Starfighter altitude record and training astronauts to fly the machine.
The interview took place in 1979 and was conducted by Rodney Giesler and was edited by Mike Stanberry MRAeS.

RAF Harrier in the Cold War

This lecture will address the birth of the Harrier’s predecessors at a time of uncertainty over the future of manned combat aircraft and the continuing efforts by those who believed in their validity. The presenter will describe the development of the aircraft dispersed concepts of operation which went on to serve the country superbly at times of need. Jock will touch on the conflicting views within the Ministry of Defence in 1976 over the options for enhancing the Royal Air Force offensive support front line when the policy was to allow the Harrier Force to run down by the late 1980s. However, a combination of circumstances subsequently led to a change in policy. The ways in which common sense prevailed and how the Service(s) gained an enhanced capability which served the country well until its premature withdrawal in 2010 will also be outlined.

The Political History of the VC10 and Trident

Following the mixed success of the Brabazon programme of civil aircraft development immediately after the Second World War, from the early 1950s, the Conservative government sought to encourage "private venture" civil projects. This policy depended on orders from the nationalised airlines: in return they expected to shape specifications - with a direct affect on two key airliners. By the end of the 1950s, both the VC10 and the Trident were experiencing commercial problems at a time when the government wanted to drive home its merger policy. This necessitated the return of direct government support in the form of repayable launch aid. But too late to save either aircraft from failure in the world market - or BOAC from bankruptcy.

40 Years on from the first Kremer Prize

This lecture, organised by the Human Powered Flight Group will be presented by John K Edgley MRAeS, Silver Medal Winner at the RAeS 2016 Medals & Awards Ceremony.
John Edgley will discuss and compare the progress that has been made in Human Powered flight in the 40 years since the first Kremer Prize was won by Paul MacCready for the figure of eight flight made by Gossamer Condor. By reference to Aerocycle 3, and other modern HPA aircraft, John will look at how current design has developed, and how new materials have made an impact.

Leading The Way To The Flightdeck

Capt Marnie Munns is working within easyJet to change the perception of commercial flying as a 'male only' role.
In 2015 easyJet launched the Amy Johnson Flying Initiative with the aim of doubling the number of female new entrant pilots to 12% over two years. The initiative was really successful with over 600 applicants and so easyJet was able to achieve the 12% target in year one - recruiting 33 female new entrant pilots.

The Col Pete Knight Interview

The one time USAF and NASA Test Pilot discusses the workings of the ultimate rocket plane, the X15, as well as his work on the X20 Dynasoar F104, F100 and T38 programmes. The interview took place in 1979 and was conducted by Rodney Giesler and edited by Mike Stanberry.

The Dick Johnson Interview

The one time USAF and Convair/General Aviation Test Pilot discusses the confusion caused when the F86 created the first sonic booms, the development of the XF91 and the flight trials and characteristics of the X1, F100, F102, F102A, F106 and B58. He also describes the trials on high angle of attack approaches and compares the 707 to the XF92. The interview took place in 1979 and was conducted by Rodney Giesler and edited by Mike Stanberry.

The Al White Interview

The one time North American Aviation Test Pilot discusses his career World War II P51 pilot, before discussing his work as principle pilot on the XB70 Valkyrie Mach 3 bomber. Also discusses the F100 and F107 programmes. The interview took place in 1979 and was conducted by Rodney Giesler and edited by Mike Stanberry.

OneWeb 648 - Enabling Rural Broadband Access

In 2012, Greg founded OneWeb with the mission of enabling Internet access for everyone. Setting a goal of connecting every unconnected school in the world by 2022, he built a team and designed a satellite constellation to achieve that vision. Greg discusses the development of the OneWeb constellation and the mission of bridging the digital divide.