Learning Center Our Enshrinees

Robert Morris Stanley

• Participated in the design of the DC-1, 2, and 3, XF D-1 Navy fighter, and the TBD-1 torpedo plane while working at Douglas Aircraft.
• Patented a mechanically controlled reversible pitch propeller.
• Received his naval aviator wings in 1936 where one of his first exploits was to fly from the USS Lexington in search of Amelia Earhart.
• Proposed the development of a guided missile in 1939 which eventually became Project Kingfisher.
• Made the first test flight of an American jet on October 1st, 1942.
• Served as Engineering Vice President at Bell after World War II and was responsible for the world’s first supersonic airplanes including the Bell X-15, X-1a, and X-2 (the first to exceed mach 2 and 3).
• Pioneered the principle of launching aircraft from a “mothership” at high-altitude.
• Led the development of the USAF first downward ejection seat and the B-58 encapsulated seats.