Learning Center
Our Enshrinees
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Test Pilot
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Enshrined: 2017
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Birth: May 1, 1926
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Death: July 4, 2019
Robert J. Gilliland
- Assigned to the 86th Fighter Wing at Neubiberg Air Base, West Germany where he flew the F-84 Thunderjet and was among the first generation of Air Force pilots to successfully make the transition from propeller-driven craft to jets.
- Served in the Korean War with the 69th Fighter Squadron and flew 20 combat missions in the Republic F-84.
- Was a test pilot and instructor for the F-104 Starfighter at Lockheed Corporation.
- Joined Lockheed’s Advanced Development Program in 1962, a top-secret program known as the “Skunk Works.” Gilliland became their Chief Test Pilot and was the first to fly the SR-71 Blackbird and test flew every Blackbird that came off the production line before it was turned over to the Air Force.
- Logged over 6,500 flight hours and has more experimental supersonic flight test time above Mach 2 and Mach 3 than any other pilot.
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Test Pilot
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Enshrined: 2017
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Birth: May 1, 1926
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Death: July 4, 2019
You’re Invited 2023 Enshrinement
Join us for the “Oscar Night of Aviation” as we induct a new group of aviation leaders into the National Aviation Hall of Fame!
Friday, September 22, 2023
National Building Museum | Washington, DC
Sponsorships are now available!
Learn More