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The World's First Space Ace
On September 13, 1985, at 12:42 p.m., Major Wilbert “Doug” Pearson pushed the “pickle button” in the cockpit of his F-15A, launching a missile high over the Pacific Ocean. He was in a steep vertical climb, flying at just under Mach 1, and was at 36,000 feet. The missile roared toward its target, the Solwind P78-1 satellite moving at 17,500 mph, almost 300 miles above Pearson’s aircraft. As the missile disappeared from view, all Pearson could do was wait—he wouldn’t be able to see if it had hit… (www.airspacemag.com) Más...
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I thought you needed 5 'kills' to make ace. Or did he have 4 other kills elsewhere to qualify?
Except if you read the article, they do make reference to this ... "Although a fighter pilot earns the title “ace” only after five victories, Pearson’s unique, outside-the-atmosphere bull’s-eye could define a new space category."
I assume, therefore, that "Space Ace" is different to a Fighter Pilot being called an "Ace" after 5 victories? Just saying.
I assume, therefore, that "Space Ace" is different to a Fighter Pilot being called an "Ace" after 5 victories? Just saying.
Reasonable people can disagree reasonably.
After rereading the article, Pearson's accomplishment is unique in that it was the first successful attempt. Program cost overruns which expanded the budget by a factor of 10 led to it's cancellation.
'Ace' in military terms has been used to recognize a level of accomplishment of a pragmatic skill (and luck to an extent). To conflate this 'kill' with the traditional meaning of 'ace' is to conflate the winner's trophy with that of the 'participation trophy'.
IMHO.
After rereading the article, Pearson's accomplishment is unique in that it was the first successful attempt. Program cost overruns which expanded the budget by a factor of 10 led to it's cancellation.
'Ace' in military terms has been used to recognize a level of accomplishment of a pragmatic skill (and luck to an extent). To conflate this 'kill' with the traditional meaning of 'ace' is to conflate the winner's trophy with that of the 'participation trophy'.
IMHO.
Usual press misuse of terms, just like 'hero'.
Except this is a publication that really should know better.
and in 2018 - who really cares?
