Aerospace Walk of Honor

Jack McKay died in 1975—20 years to the day after his first rocket flight. He had retired from NASA four years earlier, climaxing a 20-year flying career at Edwards in which he become one of the Center's most experienced rocket pilots. In the 50's and 60's, McKay flew most of the nation's rocket aircraft—from the "B" and "E" versions of the famed X-1, to the X-15.

McKay flew the jet and rocket versions of the D-558 Skyrocket. He went aloft in the follow-on versions of the X-1, flying the first 13 of the 17 NACA missions logged with the X-1B. Other aircraft McKay flew included the semi-tailless X-4, the X-5 first swing-wing aircraft, plus the Century-Series Fighters—the F-100, F-102, F-104 and F-107. He was selected as one of the original seven pilots to fly the X-15. McKay flew the X-15 29 times, earning an astronaut rating in the aircraft, taking it to an altitude of 295,600 feet, nearly 56 miles, and achieving a speed of 3,935 mph, Mach 5.6.

Born in Virginia in 1922, McKay flew 82 combat missions as a Navy Fighter Pilot in World War II. He returned home to earn a degree in Aeronautical Engineering from Virginia Polytechnic Institute in 1950.

Jack McKay was honored by the Air Medal with two clusters; Presidential Unit Citation; John J. Montgomery Award, National Society of Aerospace Professionals; Award for Achievement, National Aeronautic Association; and Virginia Polytechnic Institute's Hall of Fame.

Established in 1990 by the Lancaster City Council, the Aerospace Walk of Honor celebrates test pilots who were associated with Edwards AFB. Recognition is awarded for distinguished aviation careers marked by significant and obvious achievements beyond one specific accomplishment.

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