"Lockheed Legends" [SR-71 U-2 F-117] signed 5 Lockheed Test Pilots Mike Machat

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Seller: space_and_aviation_firsts ✉️ (339) 100%, Location: Melbourne, AU, Ships to: WORLDWIDE, Item: 282257295292 "Lockheed Legends" [SR-71 U-2 F-117] signed 5 Lockheed Test Pilots Mike Machat .

Title

"Lockheed Legends"   [F-104, SR-71, U-2, F-117] PRINT signed Mike Machat, 5 Pilots, Engineer and Lockheed President.

This magnificent Art Print is one of the most ‘historically important’ and colourful Limited Edition Art Prints you are ever likely to see and appreciate. It is by one of the USA's most acclaimed aviation artists and is stunning in its colour.  It illustrates the Lockheed Aircraft of Legendary and 20th Century acclaim.

A Historically signed document in its own right, this large size art [see dimensions] is quite simply amazing!  A beautiful Limited Edition of 1000 Prints Worldwide depicts many Lockheed Legends including the F-104 Starfighter, U-2A, SR-71 and F-117A.

If you are interested in ‘stealth aircraft’ and you would like some representative art of outstanding history, stature, colour and magnificence this is an outstanding opportunity for you.

The Counter Signers are the following,  Five Pilots, One Engineer, and the President of the Skunk Works Division: Tony LeVier, Robert J. Gilliland, William C. Park, Harold C. Farley, Dave Ferguson, Ben R. Rich and Sherman N. Mullin.

The careers of these men are exceptional and are summarised in the Mission Profile  section below.  To truly understand the value of these historical signatures I suggest the Mission Profile section deserves a read for acknowledgement of these Mens' contributions to advanced Aviation; their careers are simply exceptional, significant and fascinating.

There are many less than 1000 of these magnificent historically signed Limited Edition Prints available Worldwide. Make this one yours! [REMARQUES are sometimes available for an additional fee for really premier uniqueness and collecting.]

Please see Collectors Hints below regarding Mike Machat’s magnificent Aviation Art. 

Note :  If you are unfamiliar with Fine Art, it is Premium Art utilising Giclee Printing on Premium Art Archival Paper or Canvas. Premium Art utilising these advanced printing techniques, materials and methods, is simply outstanding!

Description 

"Lockheed Legends"   [F-104, SR-71, U-2, F-117] PRINT signed Mike Machat, 5 Pilots, Engineer and Lockheed President.

The featured aircraft are U-2A [1955], A-12 [1962], YF-12 [10963], CL-329 Jet Star [1957], D-21 Drone [1966], Have Blue  the forerunner to the F-117A [1977] and YF-22A capable of ‘super cruise’ [1990].

Lockheed Legends - Plane Types: Skunk Works Airplanes

Founded in 1943 by Lockheed's legendary aircraft designer, Kelly Johnson, the "Skunk Works" Advanced Development Company has produced many of the USA and the World's greatest recognised aircraft.

From the P-80 Shooting Star, first U.S. operational jet fighter, to the exotic Mach-3 SR-71 Blackbird, and from the U-2 spy plane of the 1950's to the F-117 Stealth Fighter that dominated the skies during the Gulf Wars.

The Lockheed "Skunk Works" certainly validated their slogan, "Look to Lockheed for Leadership".

This print was commissioned by Lockheed Advanced Development Projects Division and commemorates the "Skunk Works" 50th Anniversary in July, 1993.   In the indomitable style of Mike Machat these legendary aircraft, Lockheed logo and colours in this larger size Limited Edition Print are simply outstanding.

Photograph credits:

Photos 1 and 2  The   "Lockheed Legends"   [F-104, SR-71, U-2, F-117] PRINT signed Mike Machat, 5 Pilots, Engineer and Lockheed President, print No. 289/1000 example!  More than one is available.

Photos 3, 4 and 5  The   Certificate of Authenticity [CoA] for the Print   "Lockheed Legends"   [F-104, SR-71, U-2, F-117] PRINT signed Mike Machat, 5 Pilots, Engineer and Lockheed President!

Photos 6  and 7   the left and right panel signatures of the Pilots, Engineer and President of Lockheed at the time for the Print   "Lockheed Legends"   [F-104, SR-71, U-2, F-117].  The signatures are  Tony LeVier, Robert J. Gilliland, William C. Park, Harold C. Farley, Dave Ferguson, Ben R. Rich and Sherman N. Mullin.

Photos 8   Mike Machat next to the T-38 having just 'experienced' a simulated Space Shuttle 'Landing approach profile' at Edwards Air Force Base.

Mission Profile - The Lockheed Counter Signatories;   (source Wikipedia and Bloomberg).

Tony LeVier [Principal Test Pilot U-2]

LeVier  test flying was instrumental in proving the Lockheed P-38 Lightning design. He and chief engineering test pilot Milo Burcham alternated flying dive tests to observe the design's performance at transonic speeds.

He had made the first flight of the XP-80A in January, and the testing program continued through 1944 and into 1945. In October 1944, Milo Burcham was killed in the crash of a production P-80, and Tony LeVier filled his office as chief engineering test pilot in January 1945.

Just two months into his career as head of this department, he suffered a serious crash on March 20, 1945, when his P-80 lost its tail due to a faulty turbine blade.

He also flew the first flights of the XF-104 Starfighter, and the U-2.   He was succeeded as chief engineering test pilot at Lockheed by Herman "Fish" Salmon. In his career he survived eight crashes and one mid-air collision.

Robert J. "Bob" Gilliland [Principal Test Pilot SR-71]

Robert J. "Bob" Gilliland  did advance training at Chandler, AZ, flying the F-8O Shooting Star. His next assignment was to an operational fighter group flying the P-47 Thunderbolt and the F-84 Thunderjet.

Later that year he was assigned to Eglin AFB, FL, as a test pilot in fighter test and the U. S. Armament Center.   While at Eglin he had the opportunity to fly most of the aircraft in the USAF inventory, until 1960 at which time he joined Lockheed as a civilian test pilot flying all models of the F- 104 Starfighter

In 1962 Bob went on to test the fastest and highest flying airplanes ever built. He made the first flight of the SR-71 on December 22, 1964, taking the aircraft to mach 1.5 and 50,000 feet altitude. He was the first and principal test pilot for the SR-71 Aircraft Series and the first pilot to achieve full envelope expansion of the speed and altitude in the SR-71.

The Society of Experimental Test Pilots awarded the Kincheloe Award to Bob in 1964 for his work on these super-secret planes. This is an award that is given annually for the Test Pilot of the Year.

William C. Park Jnr. [Principal U-2R Test Pilot]

William C. Park, Jr. joined the U.S. Army Air Corps in 194 4 as an Aviation Cadet. He served in the Pacific theater during World War.

He also flew 112 combat missions. In 1957, he joined Lockheed as an engineering test pilot and worked on early development of the F-104 Starfighter. In April 1958, he achieved an altitude of 91,985 feet in a zoom climb, unofficially beating an altitude record held by a Soviet pilot.

In 1961, Park was transferred to Lockheed’s Advanced Development Projects Division-better known as the Skunk Works. He was the first pilot to fly the A-12 to its design cruise speed in excess of Mach 3 and design altitude above 80,000 feet. Park performed an impressive on December 21, 1966, flying 10,198 statute miles in six hours, beginning and ending his flight at Groom Lake. This flight established an unapproachable record by any other aircraft.

In 1977, Park was selected as the chief project pilot for Lockheed’s Have Blue experimental stealth technology demonstrator which was the first airplane designed to be virtually invisible to radar. He made 24 of 32 flights in the first of two airframes that were built for the top-secret program.

Harold C. Farley [Principal Test Pilot F-117A]

Harold “Hal” C. Farley graduated from U.S. Navy Test Pilot School in 1964. Farley served in the Navy from 1959-67. In the Navy, he performed tests on a variety of aircraft, including the F-4 Phantom, F-8 Crusader, A-6 Intruder and others.

After joining Lockheed in 1979, he was assigned to the then top secret Stealth Fighter Program where he participated in all phases of the F-117A project and logged over 600 hours of flight time.  In 1983, he was named chief test pilot, and in 1989 he became director of flight operations and chief pilot of the Lockheed Advanced Development Company.

Farley is a fellow in the Society of Experimental Test Pilots. In 1996, Farley was awarded the Iven C. Kincheloe Award by the Society of Experimental Test Pilots for tests performed in the F117-A.

Benjamin Robert Rich  [Second Director of Lockheed Skunk Works  1975-1991]

Benjamin Robert Rich  as the second Director of Lockheed Skunk Works  succeeded its founder, Kelly Johnson. Regarded as the "father of stealth" Rich was responsible for leading the development of the F-117, the first production stealth aircraft. He also worked on the F-104, U-2, A-12, SR-71 and F-22.

In December 1954 Rich joined the Skunk Works , the secret research and development section run by Lockheed's Chief Engineer, Clarence “Kelly” Johnson. There he designed the inlet ducts for the U-2 spy plane

Rich was chief aerodynamicist for the specification of the aircraft's black skin coatings which optimized heat dissipation of their tremendous aerodynamic heating as well as incorporating materials to reduce radar signature – the aircraft incorporated a number of features of what would later be referred to as low observables or stealth technology.

When SR-71 crews became upset that engineers were not putting enough effort into solving a constant problem with violent engine unstarts in flight, Rich was forced to take a flight in the SR-71. After being scared so badly that he "almost died of fright", he managed to solve the unstart problem by installing automatic controllers to keep the aircraft in control during unstarts.

Later, as Johnson’s successor as leader of the Skunk Works, Rich championed and directed the early experimental prototypes of stealth technology. Later leading the development of the F-117 â€˜Nighthawk’  stealth fighter.

Sherman N. â€œSherm”  Mullin [President of Lockheed Advanced Development 1990-1994.]

Previously, Mr. Mullin held other engineering and management positions with Lockheed Corporation from 1959 to 1990. He serves as a Member of Advisory Board of Georgia Aerospace Systems Manufacturing Inc. 

He served as Director of Mercury Systems, Inc.(formerly known as Mercury Computer Systems Inc.) from 1994 to November 17, 2008. He serves as an Ad-hoc Advisor to the U.S. Air Force Scientific Advisory Board and previously he served in the same role from 1994 to 2000. Mr. Mullin is a Fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics.

Aviation Art

The ‘hall mark’ of a Master Aviation Artist is in their ability to illustrate many different angles of aircraft in flight in their artwork.  The exceptional construct of this art is also the additional ‘history and representation’ of an exceptional Aeronautics Company and some of its highly skilled and famous people, historically signed by them and captured in all the vivid color and brilliance of the original Mike Machat’s work of art. 

Importantly these beautiful and stunning action packed ' Lockheed Legends"   [F-104, SR-71, U-2, F-117] PRINTS  are signed by Mike Machat and  Tony LeVier, Robert J. Gilliland, William C. Park, Harold C. Farley, Dave Ferguson, Ben R. Rich and Sherman N. Mullin,  5 Pilots, Engineer and Lockheed President!

There are many less than 1000 of these magnificent historically signed Limited Edition Prints available Worldwide. Make this one yours so you  do not miss out on this very restricted opportunity! 

Notes:  This is serious and enjoyable premium quality Art Space and Aviation Collecting.    If an offer is to be made,  please understand the offer needs to be very seriously 'close'! 

The extremely   restricted  'time and availability'  of Historical themed Art such as this, simply means that once they are sold, the opportunity is lost!   [Due to the restricted availability of 'Limited Editions' art, all purchases are subject to final availability at the time of your order]

Collectors’ Hints (Space and Aviation Firsts  Š 2017 ).

Collectors' Hint 1 - What is a 'Giclee'  Limited Edition Print? 

A Limited Edition Print uses the  Giclee printing technique for very high quality and provide  ' Stand Out Impressiveness' upon your Wall.  

The Term: The term "Giclee print" connotes an elevation in printmaking technology, which is exactly what it is. 

Images are generated from high resolution digital scans and printed with archival quality inks onto various substrates including canvas, fine art, and photo-base paper. The Giclee printing process provides better colour accuracy than other means of reproduction. Archival quality ensures that the prints are light-fast and non-water soluble.

The Quality: The quality of the Giclee print rivals traditional silver-halide and gelatine printing processes and is commonly found in museums, art galleries, and photographic galleries.

Collectors' Hint 2 - Acquisition of 'Rare' Historical Offerings!

I now try to obtain 'rare' offerings when they appear as I lost out on a few key Historical Pieces due to hesitating. 

One was an X-15 photograph signed by 11 of the 12 surviving X-15 Pilots at the time, one being Neil Armstrong.  I have never seen the offer again during the past 25 years.  I suggest when an opportunity presents itself; please make the decision as to your collection focus and then act so you do not miss out!  

Collectors’ Hint 3 – About Mike Machat

Mike Machat is a:

Ăź    "Retired Flight-Rated Senior Artist for the U.S. Air Force Documentary Art Program, serving from 1978 to 2001" and,

Ăź    An acclaimed artist for World and USA Aviation and Space ‘historical events’. 

Mike was in the USAF as an enlisted guy from 1967-1970, but did not retire after a full service career.  

After completing the Foundation Art Program at New York’s Pratt Institute, Mike served in the U.S. Air Force overseas and with the National Security Agency in Washington D.C.

After relocating to Los Angeles, he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from California State University, Long Beach and was hired by the Douglas Aircraft Company as a technical illustrator. Mike soon advanced through the ranks to become a Staff Artist and Corporate Representative for the McDonnell Douglas Corporation. 

Moving on from the corporate world, Mike established his own independent aviation art studio and was elected first president of the American Society of Aviation Artists (ASAA). 

He served as president of the Society of Illustrators of Los Angeles and became a senior, flight-rated, member of the Air Force Art Program, contributing 21 original paintings to the national collection.  His aviation artwork has won numerous awards in the illustration West, Experimental Aircraft Association, ASAA, Simuflite, and Naval Aviation Foundation art competitions.

As an aviator, Mike has flown in more than 200 different types of aircraft including the A-4, T-38, F-104, F-15, F-16, F-18, and Concorde. 

Mike has flown with NASA, the Blue Angels, and the USAF Test Pilot School, and was the first Air Force Artist to fly in the Rockwell B-1B Lancer and Grumman F-14 Tomcat in a U.S. Navy exchange program

Mike designed and produced aviation murals for the Bob Hope Airport terminal building in Burbank, California, and created the centerpiece display for the new Air Force Flight Test Center Museum at Edwards Air Force Base, California.

His paintings are displayed in airline corporate headquarters worldwide, and have been accepted into the permanent collections of the Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum, National Soaring Museum, and National Museum of Naval Aviation.

Mike’s career focus includes aviation writing and editing. He served as Editor-in-Chief for Wings &  Airpower  Magazine as well as Acquisitions Editor for Specialty Press Aviation Publications, and brings a wealth of editorial and literary knowledge to all of his aviation endeavors. As the author of two best-selling books and countless magazine and website articles, Mike has told the stories of aviation luminaries and of his own aeronautical exploits. Having worked first-hand on projects with renowned aircraft designers, pilots, and astronauts, he has been able to capture in images and words the dramatic and colorful tales of many of aviation’s greatest legends

Noted for his extensive work in commercial aviation, Mike's paintings are also displayed in many airline corporate headquarters throughout the world including a mural painted in the terminal building of the Bob Hope Airport in Burbank, California. His client list includes Airbus Industrie, McDonnell Douglas, Pan American World Airways, Delta, Continental, Flying Tigers, and NASA among many others.

Size

This historical   "Lockheed Legends"   [F-104, SR-71, U-2, F-117] PRINT signed Mike Machat, 5 Pilots, Engineer and Lockheed President  has a size of:

30.5” Width x 26” Height. 

And is personally hand signed with its own numbered Certificate of Authenticity [CoA]. 

[‘Landscape’ orientation is excellent for aircraft portraits. Upon purchase I will be pleased to provide written professional framing hints as an additional courtesy to you.] 

Shipping

Shipping Worldwide is included to the purchaser, my gift to you.  Local Pick Up is available if desired

Your magnificent Limited Edition Canvas will be shipped directly to you from Australia.

With my competitive price being offered due to the lower Australian dollar this is a great buy and offering for International, US, UK, European and Australian Collectors. 

Remember, there are many less than 1000 of these magnificent historically signed Limited Edition Prints available Worldwide. Make this one yours so you  do not miss out on this very restricted opportunity! 

Conclusion

"Lockheed Legends"   [F-104, SR-71, U-2, F-117] PRINT signed by Mike Machat, 5 Test Pilots, Engineer and Lockheed President is s imply a must have 'Historical Life Piece'  of American Lockheed and Stealth Aviation History.

Please don't forget to visit this International eBay Store -  'Space and Aviation Firsts'   via the eBay Link in the top right hand corner of this Listing and save the Link to Follow the Store as well.

Please view the comments of Purchasers from   ‘Space and Aviation Firsts’   and review their consistent pleasure with their quality purchases. 

There are many other great offerings inside   'Space and Aviation Firsts'.    

The  'Space and Aviation Firsts'  Store Collections below, are also a great way to fast track viewing of specific types of Space and Aviation historical offerings; 

a) MODELS – Diecast

b) MODELS - Plastic 

c) MODELS - Balsa Wood [to expand]

d) FLOWN - Artifact Famous Missions

These are actual Historical Artifacts [fragment pieces] from the original real Spacecraft or Aircraft that performed the mission, such as Vostok 1 spacecraft [Yuri Gagarin], Friendship 7 [John Glenn] and Apollo 11 [Armstrong, Aldrin and Collins].

e)  SIGNED - Items from Famous Space and Aviation Missions

f)   AVIATOR - Pilot Watches [to expand]

g)  AVIATOR - Clothing [to expand]

h)  ART - William S. Phillips (Aviation Art - WWII to Jets of the present day)

i)   ART - Alan Bean, Lunar Module Pilot [LMP] Apollo 12 (incredible Space Art)

j)   ART - Mike Machat (Aviation and X-15 Rocket Powered JET Series Art)

k)  ART - Mark Karvon (Digital Space and Aviation Art)

l)   ART - Keith Ferris (Aviation Art World Famous for his Smithsonian Air & Space Museum Mural)

m) ART - Craig Kodera (Aviation Art by an Airline Pilot!)

n)  ART and COLLECTABLES [Mike's Collection for items from my personal Collection acquired over 40 years]

There are many other great offerings inside   'Space and Aviation Firsts' ,   take a look!

Here’s a few words from Mike Machat; “A Passion in Life is a Life well Lived! Fly High – Fly Fast!”

Kind Regards,

  • Condition: Brand New
  • Era: 1960s
  • Product Type: Lockheed Legends - Skunk Works

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