Neil Armstrong and the X-15 by Bob van der Linden, Posted on Tue, July 23, 2019, Aeronautics Department, Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum “Released from duty in mid-1952, Armstrong returned to Purdue where he earned his degree in aeronautical engineering in 1955. His love of flight and engineering drew him to the National Advisory
In August of 1987, I retired from active duty and moved to Fort Worth, TX where I took a job as Manager/Pilot Vehicle Interface with General Dynamics. There I was responsible for cockpit mechanizations and improvements for all versions of the F-16 and F-22. After Lockheed bought out GD, I had added the responsibility for cockpits and for all simulators and trainers, including the ATF(F-35).
In March of 1999, I totally retired! Karen and I still live in the original home we bought on Eagle Mountain Lake. I’ve had many good years of fishing and hunting, but my body parts have been wearing out–too much arthritis and trauma–resulting in having to use a walker for the last 3-4 years.
