Richard Abrams (1994 Fellow and 1977 KJ Award)

Richard Abrams was posthumously elected as an SFTE Fellow in 1994. His nomination was based on a career-long commitment to advancing the art and science of flight testing, a legacy that was formally recognized by his peers following his passing on August 11, 1994.

Professional Milestones and Achievements

Richard "Dick" Abrams attained a position of notable distinction in the field through his leadership in high-stakes testing environments. His career was defined by several key roles and accomplishments:

• Lockheed Martin Skunk Works: He served in a variety of roles within the Lockheed Martin Skunk Works from 1980-1994, including Flight Test Program Manager for the YF-22 and Flight Test Director for the Skunk Works
• B-1 Program Management: He served as the Manager of Flight Test Engineering and Chief Flight Test Engineer for Rockwell International’s B-1 Division. His personal management was credited with making the B-1 flight test program ambitious, efficient, and safe.
• Flight Experience: A hands-on engineer, he flew on over 40 B-1 test missions, including the historic first flights of B-1 aircraft No. 1 and No. 3.
• Government Service: Before joining the private sector, he spent approximately ten years with the U.S. Air Force at the Air Force Flight Test Center (AFFTC), working on the B-58, SR-71, and F-111 programs.
• International Technical Leadership: During a three-year tenure with the FAA, he served as the project flight test engineer in France for the first U.S. airworthiness evaluation of the Concorde’s flying qualities in 1972.
• Historical Scholarship: Beyond engineering, he authored Corsair at War, a volume in the Ian Allan "At War" series detailing the operational history of World War II combat aircraft.

Recognition and Fellow Nomination

Richard Abrams was recognized with the Society's highest honors for his lasting impact on the profession:

• SFTE "Kelly" Johnson Award (1977): He received this prestigious award for "outstanding achievement in Flight Test Engineering," specifically citing his management of the B-1 program.
• Election as an SFTE Fellow (1994): He was posthumously elected as a Fellow, the highest grade achievable in the Society. To be elected, a member must have attained a position of notable distinction and be chosen by their peers for significant and lasting contributions to the field.
• AIAA Chanute Flight Test Award: For outstanding professional accomplishments in the conduct of flight testing, most notably with the F-117 Stealth Fighter, and YF-22A Advanced Tactical Fighter programs