1999 R. Dale Reed

R. Dale Reed
1999 "Kelly Johnson" Award 

As an aeronautical engineer, R. Dale Reed has been one of the most influential individuals on pioneering aerospace developments in the last four decades. Ken Szalai (past director of NASA Dryden Flight Research Center) has likened him to the Wright Brothers in innovative talents. Dale has a unique ability that inspires ingenuity and unites engineers, managers, and pilots to move toward a common goal.

Mr. Reed was instrumental throughout the development of the lifting body aircraft, which later led to development of the Space Shuttle. Over a 12 year period from 1963 to 1975 eight different lifting body configurations were flown at the NASA Flight Research Center (FRC) (predecessor of the Dryden Flight Research Center (DFRC) at Edwards AFB, CA. His recent book "Wingless Flight: The Lifting Body Story", tells the dramatic story of the most unusual flying machines ever flown. These early flights also led to development of the X-33 and X-38 and many other blended body and wingless research vehicles.

He also initiated the Remotely Piloted Research Vehicle (RPRV) concept by utilizing experienced research pilots "fully in-the-loop" to conduct flight tests of large-scale models of fighter aircraft.

His approach to conducting small experiments to demonstrate new aircraft/spacecraft concepts has been very effective in helping project managers feel confident in moving forward and developing these programs in a cost-effective manner.

By acting as a "catalyst" and interacting with other world renowned aeronautical innovators such as Burt Rutan and Paul McCready, Dale has helped to move along the concept of solar-powered and other high flying aircraft to support the development of atmospheric science platforms for the Environmental Research Aircraft and Sensor Technology (ERAST) program.

In addition to the projects named above, Dale pioneered a Mars Airplane concept called the "Mini-Sniffer". His work resulted in the development of a one-of-a-kind prototype engine to drive the propeller in the non-oxygen atmosphere of the planet Mars.

After 33 years service as a direct employee of NASA and 4 years with the Lockheed "Skunk Works", Dale continues to offer his innovative services in the development of new programs and continued research for NASA as an employee of Analytical Services and Materials, (AS&M), Inc.