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Changes: William H. Dana

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{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2016}}
  
 
{{Infobox astronaut
  
{{Infobox astronaut
 
| name = William H. Dana
  
| name = William H. Dana
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| other_names = {{unbulleted list | William Harvey Dana | Bill Dana }}
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| other_names = {{unbulleted list | William Harvey Dana | Bill Dana}}
 
| image = X-15 (2151457821).jpg
  
| image = X-15 (2151457821).jpg
 
| type = [[United States Air Force|USAF]] / [[NASA]] [[Astronaut]]
  
| type = [[United States Air Force|USAF]] / [[NASA]] [[Astronaut]]
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| nationality = [[United States|American]]
  
| nationality = [[United States|American]]
 
| birth_date = {{Birth date|1930|11|3}}
  
| birth_date = {{Birth date|1930|11|3}}
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| birth_place = [[Pasadena, California]], U.S.
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| birth_place = Pasadena, California, U.S.
 
| death_date = {{Death date and age|2014|5|6|1930|11|3|mf=yes}}
  
| death_date = {{Death date and age|2014|5|6|1930|11|3|mf=yes}}
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| death_place = [[Phoenix, Arizona]], U.S.
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| death_place = Phoenix, Arizona, U.S.
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| occupation = [[Test pilot]]
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| occupation = Test pilot
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| alma_mater = [[United States Military Academy|USMA]], B.S. 1952<br />[[University of Southern California|USC]], M.S. 1958
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| alma_mater = [[United States Military Academy|USMA]], B.S. 1952<br />USC, M.S. 1958
 
| selection = [[List of astronauts by selection#1960|1960 Dyna-Soar Group 1]]
  
| selection = [[List of astronauts by selection#1960|1960 Dyna-Soar Group 1]]
 
| missions = [[North American X-15#Highest flights|X-15 Flight 197]]
  
| missions = [[North American X-15#Highest flights|X-15 Flight 197]]
 
| insignia = <!-- The X-15 logo is ''not'' a mission insignia -->
  
| insignia = <!-- The X-15 logo is ''not'' a mission insignia -->
 
}}
  
}}
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'''William Harvey "Bill" Dana''' (November 3, 1930&nbsp;– May 6, 2014) was an [[United States|American]] [[aeronautical engineer]], [[U.S. Air Force]] [[aviator|pilot]], [[NASA]] [[test pilot]], and [[astronaut]] in the [[Boeing X-20 Dyna-Soar|X-20 Dyna-Soar]], and [[North American X-15]] programs.
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'''William Harvey "Bill" Dana''' (November 3, 1930&nbsp;– May 6, 2014) was an [[United States|American]] aeronautical engineer, [[U.S. Air Force]] pilot, [[NASA]] test pilot, and [[astronaut]] in the [[Boeing X-20 Dyna-Soar|X-20 Dyna-Soar]], and [[North American X-15]] programs.
   
 
==Early life and education==
  
==Early life and education==
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Dana was born in [[Pasadena, California]] on November 3, 1930. He received a [[Bachelor of Science]] degree from the [[United States Military Academy]] in 1952 and served four years as a pilot in the [[United States Air Force]]. He joined NASA on October 1, 1958, after receiving a [[Master of Science]] degree in [[Aeronautical Engineering]] from the [[University of Southern California]].
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Dana was born in Pasadena, California on November 3, 1930. He received a Bachelor of Science degree from the [[United States Military Academy]] in 1952 and served four years as a pilot in the [[United States Air Force]]. He joined NASA on October 1, 1958, after receiving a Master of Science degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the University of Southern California.
   
 
Dana was married to Judi Dana since 1962. They had four children&nbsp;— Sidney, Matt, Janet (Jan), and Leslie (Cricket).
  
Dana was married to Judi Dana since 1962. They had four children&nbsp;— Sidney, Matt, Janet (Jan), and Leslie (Cricket).
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From 1960 through 1962 he was a pilot astronaut in the U.S. Air Force [[X-20 Dyna-Soar]] program. That program was canceled before the vehicle flew, but Dana later tested several other lifting-body space vehicle projects. He made one of the earliest flights in the plywood M2-F1, and flew the HL-10, the M2-F3, and the X-24B. He made the highest-ever flight in a lifting body, to 90,303 feet, in the HL-10. He also made the final powered flight of a lifting body, in the X-24B (1975).
  
From 1960 through 1962 he was a pilot astronaut in the U.S. Air Force [[X-20 Dyna-Soar]] program. That program was canceled before the vehicle flew, but Dana later tested several other lifting-body space vehicle projects. He made one of the earliest flights in the plywood M2-F1, and flew the HL-10, the M2-F3, and the X-24B. He made the highest-ever flight in a lifting body, to 90,303 feet, in the HL-10. He also made the final powered flight of a lifting body, in the X-24B (1975).
   
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Dana began as an [[engineer]] on the [[North American X-15]] program. He progressed to chase pilot, and finally as project pilot on the hypersonic research aircraft. He flew the rocket-powered vehicle 16 times, reaching a top speed of 3,897&nbsp;mph. His peak altitude of 307,000 feet (nearly 59 miles high) technically qualified him for the [[Astronaut Badge]], although he was not formally recognized as an astronaut until 2005. He was the pilot on the final (199th) flight of the 10-year program.
 +
Dana began as an engineer on the [[North American X-15]] program. He progressed to chase pilot, and finally as project pilot on the hypersonic research aircraft. He flew the rocket-powered vehicle 16 times, reaching a top speed of 3,897&nbsp;mph. His peak altitude of 307,000 feet (nearly 59 miles high) technically qualified him for the [[Astronaut Badge]], although he was not formally recognized as an astronaut until 2005. He was the pilot on the final (199th) flight of the 10-year program.
   
 
In the late 1960s and in the 1970s, Dana was a project pilot on the manned [[lifting body]] program, which flew several versions of the wingless vehicles and produced data that helped in development of the [[Space Shuttle]]. He completed one [[NASA M2-F1]], nine [[Northrop HL-10]], nineteen [[Northrop M2-F3]] and two [[Martin Marietta X-24B]] flights, for a total of 31 [[lifting body]] missions.
  
In the late 1960s and in the 1970s, Dana was a project pilot on the manned [[lifting body]] program, which flew several versions of the wingless vehicles and produced data that helped in development of the [[Space Shuttle]]. He completed one [[NASA M2-F1]], nine [[Northrop HL-10]], nineteen [[Northrop M2-F3]] and two [[Martin Marietta X-24B]] flights, for a total of 31 [[lifting body]] missions.
   
 
===NASA career===
  
===NASA career===
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Dana was Chief Engineer at NASA's [[Dryden Flight Research Center]], [[Edwards Air Force Base]], [[California]], from 1993 until 1998, when he retired after almost 40 years of distinguished service to NASA.<ref>Following his retirement, Dana continued to work with NASA as a contractor and a historian. ''Obituary'', [[Aviation Week & Space Technology]], May 12, 2014, p. 13</ref> Formerly an aerospace research pilot, Dana flew the [[North American F-100 Super Sabre|F-100]] variable stability research aircraft and the [[General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon variants#F-16 Advanced Fighter Technology Integration|Advanced Fighter Technology Integration/F-16]] aircraft, as well as many others.
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Dana was Chief Engineer at NASA's [[Dryden Flight Research Center]], [[Edwards Air Force Base]], California, from 1993 until 1998, when he retired after almost 40 years of distinguished service to NASA.<ref>Following his retirement, Dana continued to work with NASA as a contractor and a historian. ''Obituary'', Aviation Week & Space Technology, May 12, 2014, p. 13</ref> Formerly an aerospace research pilot, Dana flew the [[North American F-100 Super Sabre|F-100]] variable stability research aircraft and the [[General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon variants#F-16 Advanced Fighter Technology Integration|Advanced Fighter Technology Integration/F-16]] aircraft, as well as many others.
   
 
Before his assignment as Chief Engineer, he was Assistant Chief of the Flight Operations Division, a position he assumed after serving since 1986 as Chief Pilot. He was also a project pilot on the [[McDonnell Douglas F-15 STOL/MTD|F-15 HIDEC]] (Highly Integrated Digital Electronic Control) research program, and a co-project pilot on the [[McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet|F-18 Hornet]] High Angle of Attack research program.
  
Before his assignment as Chief Engineer, he was Assistant Chief of the Flight Operations Division, a position he assumed after serving since 1986 as Chief Pilot. He was also a project pilot on the [[McDonnell Douglas F-15 STOL/MTD|F-15 HIDEC]] (Highly Integrated Digital Electronic Control) research program, and a co-project pilot on the [[McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet|F-18 Hornet]] High Angle of Attack research program.
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==Death==
  
==Death==
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Dana died in Phoenix, Arizona, on May 6, 2014, following a long struggle with [[Parkinson's disease]]. He was 83 years of age.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.latimes.com/business/aerospace/la-fi-mo-bill-dana-death-20140507-story.html |title=Legendary NASA test pilot Bill Dana dies at 83 |work=Los Angeles Times |date=May 7, 2014 |first=W.J. |last=Hennigan}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |url=http://spaceref.com/news/viewpr.html?pid=43179 |title=Aerospace Pioneer William H. Dana Dies |publisher=[[NASA]] [[Armstrong Flight Research Center]] (posted at spaceref.com) |date=May 6, 2014}}</ref>
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Dana died in Phoenix, Arizona, on May 6, 2014, following a long struggle with Parkinson's disease. He was 83 years of age.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.latimes.com/business/aerospace/la-fi-mo-bill-dana-death-20140507-story.html |title=Legendary NASA test pilot Bill Dana dies at 83 |work=Los Angeles Times |date=May 7, 2014 |first=W.J. |last=Hennigan}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |url=http://spaceref.com/news/viewpr.html?pid=43179 |title=Aerospace Pioneer William H. Dana Dies |publisher=[[NASA]] [[Armstrong Flight Research Center]] (posted at spaceref.com) |date=May 6, 2014}}</ref>
   
 
==Honors==
  
==Honors==
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For his contributions to the lifting body program, Dana received the [[NASA Exceptional Service Medal]]. In 1976 he received the [[Andrew G. Haley|Haley]] Space Flight Award from the [[American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics]] (AIAA) for his research work on the M2-F3 lifting body control systems.
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For his contributions to the lifting body program, Dana received the [[NASA Exceptional Service Medal]]. In 1976 he received the [[Andrew G. Haley|Haley]] Space Flight Award from the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) for his research work on the M2-F3 lifting body control systems.
   
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A member of the [[Society of Experimental Test Pilots]], Dana is the author of several technical papers. In 1993, he was inducted into the [[Aerospace Walk of Honor]].
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A member of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots, Dana is the author of several technical papers. In 1993, he was inducted into the [[Aerospace Walk of Honor]].
   
 
On August 23, 2005, NASA officially conferred on Dana his Astronaut Wings.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nasa.gov/missions/research/X-15_wings.html |title=X-15 Pioneers Honored as Astronauts |website=NASA.gov |date=August 23, 2005 |quote=retired NASA pilot Bill Dana}}</ref>
  
On August 23, 2005, NASA officially conferred on Dana his Astronaut Wings.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nasa.gov/missions/research/X-15_wings.html |title=X-15 Pioneers Honored as Astronauts |website=NASA.gov |date=August 23, 2005 |quote=retired NASA pilot Bill Dana}}</ref>
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==External links==
  
==External links==
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{{Commons category|Bill Dana (pilot)}}
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{{Commons|Category:Bill Dana (pilot)}}
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{{Portal|Biography|United States Air Force}}
  
 
* [http://www.nasa.gov/centers/armstrong/news/Biographies/Pilots/bd-dfrc-p002.html NASA Dryden Biographies, Former Pilots: William H. Dana] at [[NASA]] [[Armstrong Flight Research Center]] ({{Wayback |url=http://www.nasa.gov/centers/armstrong/news/Biographies/Pilots/bd-dfrc-p002.html |date=20150920051538}})
  
* [http://www.nasa.gov/centers/armstrong/news/Biographies/Pilots/bd-dfrc-p002.html NASA Dryden Biographies, Former Pilots: William H. Dana] at [[NASA]] [[Armstrong Flight Research Center]] ({{Wayback |url=http://www.nasa.gov/centers/armstrong/news/Biographies/Pilots/bd-dfrc-p002.html |date=20150920051538}})
 
* [http://www.astronautix.com/astros/dana.htm William Harvey 'Bill' Dana] at Astronautix.com
  
* [http://www.astronautix.com/astros/dana.htm William Harvey 'Bill' Dana] at Astronautix.com
 
* [http://www.spacefacts.de//bios/astronauts/english/dana_william.htm William Harvey "Bill" Dana] at Spacefacts.de
  
* [http://www.spacefacts.de//bios/astronauts/english/dana_william.htm William Harvey "Bill" Dana] at Spacefacts.de
 
* {{Find a Grave|129466932|William Harvey "Bill" Dana}}
  
* {{Find a Grave|129466932|William Harvey "Bill" Dana}}
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Dana, William H.}}
  
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[[Category:USC Viterbi School of Engineering alumni]]
  
[[Category:USC Viterbi School of Engineering alumni]]
 
[[Category:X-15 program]]
  
[[Category:X-15 program]]
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{{Astronaut-stub}}
  
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{{Wikipedia|William H. Dana}}

Revision as of 17:19, 18 June 2016

William Harvey "Bill" Dana (November 3, 1930 – May 6, 2014) was an American aeronautical engineer, U.S. Air Force pilot, NASA test pilot, and astronaut in the X-20 Dyna-Soar, and North American X-15 programs.

Early life and education

Dana was born in Pasadena, California on November 3, 1930. He received a Bachelor of Science degree from the United States Military Academy in 1952 and served four years as a pilot in the United States Air Force. He joined NASA on October 1, 1958, after receiving a Master of Science degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the University of Southern California.

Dana was married to Judi Dana since 1962. They had four children — Sidney, Matt, Janet (Jan), and Leslie (Cricket).

His hobbies included reading (aviation history) and walking.

Test pilot and astronaut career

X-15 Pilots - GPN-2000-000143

X-15 pilots (Dana is 1st from right)

From 1960 through 1962 he was a pilot astronaut in the U.S. Air Force X-20 Dyna-Soar program. That program was canceled before the vehicle flew, but Dana later tested several other lifting-body space vehicle projects. He made one of the earliest flights in the plywood M2-F1, and flew the HL-10, the M2-F3, and the X-24B. He made the highest-ever flight in a lifting body, to 90,303 feet, in the HL-10. He also made the final powered flight of a lifting body, in the X-24B (1975).

Dana began as an engineer on the North American X-15 program. He progressed to chase pilot, and finally as project pilot on the hypersonic research aircraft. He flew the rocket-powered vehicle 16 times, reaching a top speed of 3,897 mph. His peak altitude of 307,000 feet (nearly 59 miles high) technically qualified him for the Astronaut Badge, although he was not formally recognized as an astronaut until 2005. He was the pilot on the final (199th) flight of the 10-year program.

In the late 1960s and in the 1970s, Dana was a project pilot on the manned lifting body program, which flew several versions of the wingless vehicles and produced data that helped in development of the Space Shuttle. He completed one NASA M2-F1, nine Northrop HL-10, nineteen Northrop M2-F3 and two Martin Marietta X-24B flights, for a total of 31 lifting body missions.

NASA career

Dana was Chief Engineer at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards Air Force Base, California, from 1993 until 1998, when he retired after almost 40 years of distinguished service to NASA.[1] Formerly an aerospace research pilot, Dana flew the F-100 variable stability research aircraft and the Advanced Fighter Technology Integration/F-16 aircraft, as well as many others.

Before his assignment as Chief Engineer, he was Assistant Chief of the Flight Operations Division, a position he assumed after serving since 1986 as Chief Pilot. He was also a project pilot on the F-15 HIDEC (Highly Integrated Digital Electronic Control) research program, and a co-project pilot on the F-18 Hornet High Angle of Attack research program.

As a research pilot, Dana was involved in some of the most significant aeronautical programs carried out at Dryden. For his service as a flight research pilot, he received NASA Distinguished Service Medal in 1997. In 2000 he was awarded the Milton O. Thompson Lifetime Achievement Award by the Dryden Flight Research Center.

Death

Dana died in Phoenix, Arizona, on May 6, 2014, following a long struggle with Parkinson's disease. He was 83 years of age.[2][3]

Honors

For his contributions to the lifting body program, Dana received the NASA Exceptional Service Medal. In 1976 he received the Haley Space Flight Award from the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) for his research work on the M2-F3 lifting body control systems.

A member of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots, Dana is the author of several technical papers. In 1993, he was inducted into the Aerospace Walk of Honor.

On August 23, 2005, NASA officially conferred on Dana his Astronaut Wings.[4]

References

  1. ↑ Following his retirement, Dana continued to work with NASA as a contractor and a historian. Obituary, Aviation Week & Space Technology, May 12, 2014, p. 13
  2. ↑ Template:Cite news
  3. ↑ Template:Cite press release
  4. ↑ "X-15 Pioneers Honored as Astronauts". August 23, 2005. http://www.nasa.gov/missions/research/X-15_wings.html. "retired NASA pilot Bill Dana" 

Bibliography

  • Thompson, Milton O. (1992) At The Edge Of Space: The X-15 Flight Program, Smithsonian Institution Press, Washington and London. ISBN 1-56098-107-5

External links

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