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Re: Herbert O. Fisher, test pilot for Curtiss Wright

Posted by Brad on Thu Mar 25, 2004 08:49:54 PM

In reply top Herbert O. Fisher, test pilot for Curtiss Wright posted by bdk on Thu Mar 25, 2004 08:08:49 PM

I read a book about test flying many years ago and it had a lot of information about Herb Fisher.

Towards the end of this article, it mentions the part about reversing the props on a C-54 in order to get to the ground from high altitudes in a hurry. In the book I read, it mentioned something about that being a way for airliners to descend in the event of a cabin pressure loss. From what I remember, the idea was shot down by everybody.

Today, all these years later, that very system is in use with the U.S. Military. The C-17 does what is called a "tactical descent". You can put all four thrust reversers out, throw out the speed brakes and descend at
20,000 feet per minute at .80 mach. That big old girl will just scream towards the ground and as long as you remember to start your recovery at 2,000 ft above your desired altitude all will be well.

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