Historical Events tagged with "lockheed"
Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.
First Flight of the F-22 Raptor Prototype
The Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor had its maiden flight, marking a significant milestone in military aviation. Piloted by test pilot Paul J. Edwards, the stealthy aircraft took off from the Dobbins Air Reserve Base in Georgia. This flight demonstrated the advanced capabilities of the Raptor, designed to serve as an air superiority fighter. It featured unprecedented stealth, agility, and technology that would redefine combat aviation.
Continue ReadingLockheed L-188 Electra Crash in Angola
A Lockheed L-188 Electra crashed in Jamba, Cuando Cubango, Angola, resulting in the deaths of 141 individuals. The flight, operated by the Angolan airline TAAG, encountered severe weather, leading to the loss of control during approach. This tragic incident underscored significant concerns regarding aviation safety in conflict-affected regions.
Continue ReadingNigerian Hercules Plane Crash in Lagos
A Lockheed C-130 Hercules operated by the Nigerian Air Force crashed in Ejigbo, Lagos, resulting in the deaths of 159 people. The aircraft was on a routine flight when it encountered difficulties and crash-landed, leading to a catastrophic fire. Eyewitnesses reported a loud explosion and flames visible from a distance. The tragedy shocked the nation and brought attention to the state of military aviation safety in Nigeria.
Continue ReadingYF-22 Prototype Makes Inaugural Flight
The YF-22, a prototype fighter aircraft developed by Lockheed, made its maiden flight in California. Designed to showcase advanced stealth and supercruise capabilities, the YF-22 was a product of the Advanced Tactical Fighter program initiated by the United States Air Force. During this flight, Test Pilot Beryl A. Sumpter took the aircraft to an altitude of 15,000 feet. The successful flight marked a significant milestone in military aviation technology and laid the groundwork for the F-22 Raptor.
Continue ReadingDelta Air Lines Flight 191 Crashes in Dallas
A Delta Air Lines Lockheed L-1011 TriStar crashed while landing at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport during a thunderstorm. The aircraft lost control due to wind shear and struck a field before colliding with vehicles on a nearby roadway. The crash resulted in the deaths of all 128 passengers and 9 crew members aboard, as well as the deaths of 9 individuals on the ground, totaling 137 fatalities.
Continue ReadingTanaka Kakuei Convicted of Bribery
Tanaka Kakuei, a former Prime Minister of Japan, was sentenced to four years in prison after being found guilty of accepting a $2 million bribe from Lockheed Corporation. The verdict was announced amidst a high-profile investigation into widespread corruption involving political figures and foreign companies. Tanaka was a significant figure in Japanese politics, serving as Prime Minister from 1972 to 1974, and his conviction marked a pivotal moment in Japan's efforts to clean up political corruption.
Continue ReadingFirst Flight of the F-117 Nighthawk Stealth Fighter
The Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk conducted its inaugural flight, showcasing a remarkable achievement in aerospace engineering. Developed by Lockheed's Skunk Works division under the direction of Clarence 'Kelly' Johnson, the aircraft featured cutting-edge stealth technology. This flight marked a significant milestone in military aviation, taking place at the company's facilities in Palmdale, California. The F-117 was designed to evade radar detection, a technological breakthrough aimed at enhancing the U.S. Air Force's capability in modern warfare. Its successful flight demonstrated the feasibility of stealth in combat aircraft.
Continue ReadingSaudia Flight 163 Lockheed L-1011 Tragedy
A Lockheed L-1011 TriStar operated by Saudia caught fire after making an emergency landing at Riyadh International Airport. The aircraft had departed from Karachi and encountered a critical issue shortly after takeoff, leading to the emergency landing. Despite the crew's efforts, a total of 301 individuals onboard perished due to smoke inhalation and fire. Eyewitness accounts of the incident highlight the horrendous scenes as emergency responders struggled to control the fire.
Continue ReadingSA de Transport Aérien Flight 730 Tragedy
SA de Transport Aérien Flight 730, operated by a Lockheed L-188 Electra, crashed into the Atlantic Ocean near Madeira Airport in Funchal, Portugal. The aircraft went down shortly before landing, resulting in the deaths of all 36 people on board, including passengers and crew. The tragedy highlighted the challenging approach to Madeira's airport due to its mountainous terrain and strong winds, resulting in safety reviews of regional aviation procedures.
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