Nevada Aerospace Hall of Fame

Declaration of Enshrinement

October 14, 2011

Charles P. Winters

In August 1973, the United States Air Force assigned Brig Gen (ret) Charles P. Winters to a nine-month assignment as a project pilot at Area 51 in Nevada for several classified projects, where he flew 11 evaluation flights. He flew simulated combat maneuvers against preproduction F-15A prototype aircraft while assigned as project pilot and operations officer with the F-15 Joint Test Force at Edwards AFB, California. While in charge of air combat maneuvering tests, Winters played a significant role in the discovery of a new phenomenon called “auto-roll,” where the rotation of the aircraft matches the engine.

In July 1979, Winters returned to Area 51 where he took command and held the responsibility for overseeing several high-level classified test projects that included the original stealth fighter, the F-117A. Under his leadership, the F-117A transitioned from the prototype phase to its initial operational capability in less than five years.

For his contributions to the development and testing of many advanced military aircraft, Brigadier General Winters earned admittance into the Nevada Aerospace Hall of Fame.

___________________________________

TD BARNES, Executive Director

Nevada Aerospace Hall of Fame