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Bob Gilliland

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description Bob Gilliland Overview

Bob Gilliland was an American test pilot associated with Lockheed's advanced aircraft programs. On December 22, 1964, he conducted the first flight of the SR-71 Blackbird, a high-altitude strategic reconnaissance aircraft developed by Lockheed's Skunk Works. His career included military and civilian flight testing, particularly of fast jet aircraft designed for demanding Cold War reconnaissance missions.

help Bob Gilliland FAQ

Who flew the first SR-71 Blackbird flight?

Bob Gilliland piloted the maiden flight of the SR-71 Blackbird on December 22, 1964, taking off from Palmdale, California. He was a Lockheed test pilot working under the Skunk Works division led by Clarence "Kelly" Johnson.

How fast could the SR-71 Blackbird that Gilliland first flew actually go?

The SR-71 was designed to cruise at sustained speeds above Mach 3, or over 2,200 miles per hour, at altitudes above 80,000 feet. Gilliland contributed to testing and expanding the performance envelope of the aircraft across numerous developmental flights at Palmdale.

What did Bob Gilliland do before joining Lockheed's Skunk Works?

Before joining Lockheed, Gilliland served as a U.S. Navy pilot and later flew as a test pilot for other organizations. His experience in high-performance military aircraft made him a natural fit for Lockheed's advanced development programs, including the A-12 and related reconnaissance platforms.

Is Bob Gilliland still involved in SR-71 community events?

Gilliland, born in 1929, has participated in numerous aviation gatherings and SR-71 reunion events over the years, sharing his firsthand experiences from the aircraft's earliest flights. He has been widely recognized for his role as the first pilot to fly the Blackbird.