1921day.year
Albert Scott Crossfield
(1921 - 2006)
American pilot and engineer
American pilot and engineer
American test pilot and aerospace engineer who was the first pilot to fly at twice the speed of sound.
Albert Scott Crossfield was a pioneering American aviator and engineer in high-speed flight research.
As chief test pilot for North American Aviation, he became the first person to fly the X-15 rocket plane beyond Mach 2 in 1956.
His flights provided critical data on aerodynamics, materials, and pilot physiology in extreme conditions.
Crossfield's expertise bridged practical flying skills and engineering insight, advancing U.S. aerospace capabilities during the Cold War.
After retiring from flight testing, he advised NASA's Space Shuttle program and continued shaping the future of human space exploration.
Albert Scott Crossfield