AIAA Distinguished Lecturer
Dr. L. Scott Miller

Once again the Tucson Section is teaming up with the Pima Air and Space Museum to host an AIAA Distinguished Lecturer. On Thursday February 21st, Dr. L. Scott Miller will give a presentation entitled, "Shadow Craft - A World of Secret Flight". The lecture will run from 5-7:30pm. Refreshments will be served at 5pm.

• Date: February 21st, 2008
• Location: Pima Air and Space Museum
• Refreshments: 5:00pm - 6:00pm
• Lecture: 6:00pm-7:30pm

Biography:

Dr. L Scott Miller is a Professor and Chair of Aerospace Engineering and a National Institute for Research Aviation Fellow at Wichita State University. Scott received his Ph.D., in aerospace engineering from Texas A&M University in 1988. He has been honored as Bombardier-Learjet Fellow, a Dow Outstanding Young Faculty Award recipient, the AIAA National Faculty Advisor Award and Outstanding AIAA Section Chairman. He has been involved in numerous research projects at NASA's Langley Research Center and Boeing.

Abstract: Shadow Craft -- A World of Secret Flight

A great deal of aircraft development in America has taken place in secrecy. The U-2, SR-71 Blackbird, B-2 Spirit Bomber, and F-117 Stealth Fighter are some now high profile examples of once hidden efforts. If you believe the recent and rampant rumors, there are more secret aircraft currently hiding in the shadows. The existence of these rumors, at minimum, provokes the public interest and generates lots of questions. For example, what goes on in "Area 51" and what specifically has happened or might now be happening in the secret or "black" world? What new technologies and missions are associated with the rumored planes, where are they built and based, and how many are operational? Is it actually possible to build a visually stealth airplane? Are some of the aircraft unmanned? Does the hypersonic vehicle popularly called "Aurora" really exist? There are obviously many questions, with elusive and interesting answers.

The presentation will summarize many of the rumors and review publicly available evidence that suggests the existence of secret aircraft projects. The viability of the rumors and evidence will be discussed and some additional ideas will be offered. Everyone loves a mystery. Who knows what craft lurks in the shadows, hinting at an exciting world of flight?

SR-71 Blackbird