Robert L. Stephens

Robert L. "Silver Fox" Stephens (December 1, 1921 – May 21, 1984) was a United States Air Force test pilot who set several speed and altitude records while testing the Lockheed YF-12 and SR-71.

Biography

Early years Robert L. Stephens was born on December 1, 1921, and raised in Gilmer, Texas, graduating from Gilmer High School in 1939 and from Texas A&M University in 1943 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautical Engineering. The son of Mr. and Mrs. Vernon J. Stephens, he entered the Army Air Corps in 1943 and flew P-47s in combat during World War II. He was called the "Silver Fox" due to his prematurely gray hair which he kept in a neatly trimmed crew cut. From 1963 to 1968, he served as test director of the YF-12 and SR-71 test force.

On May 1, 1965, at Edwards Air Force Base, pilot Stephens and fire control officer Daniel Andre, established four world speed and altitude records in the YF-12A. They averaged 2,070 miles per hour over a 17-kilometer straight away course, then held 80,257 feet to establish a world record for sustained horizontal flight. These records stood until 1977 when they were surpassed by an SR-71.

After retiring from the military in 1973, Stephens was the U.S. representative for the German jet engine firm, MTU. 1965 Mackay Trophy, Flying Tiger Trophy, De la Vaulx Medal, On June 18, 1966, a parade was held in Gilmer, Texas to celebrate "Bobby Stephens Day". On October 20, 2000, in Gilmer, Texas the Gilmer Airfield officially changed its name to "Fox Stephens Field" in honor of Colonel Stephens.

Stephens was a member of the International Order of Characters and was a Fellow and past president of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots.