History Panel

SATURDAY, MARCH 24

9:30-10:30 A.M. Red Bull Stratos and Free Falling from Space

Legendary pilot and space free fall parachutist Col. Joe Kittinger, USAF, Ret., joins with designer extraordinaire Art Thompson and renowned aerospace author Craig Ryan to tell the story of free-falling from outer space – from the perspective of Kittinger who set the record in 1960 at 102,800 feet. They also share the inside story on the Red Bull Stratos project and Felix Baumgartner’s daring record-breaking fall from space in 2012 before a global audience.Come visit one of the best STEM exhibitions you will ever experience!

10:30-11:30 a.m. Lockheed Martin at 75 Years

It’s the 75th Anniversary for Lockheed Martin ’s Legendary Skunk Works., with top officials from the division telling the story of how the company ushered in so many of its cutting-edge aircraft, from the P-38 Lighting of World War II, to the F-35 Lightning II, today’s advanced Joint Strike Fighter. Prepare to hear about the legendary Skunk Works brain trust, including tales of Kelly Johnson, and Ben Rich, whose legacy encompasses the U-2, the SR-71 “Blackbird,” and the dawn of the era of Stealth combat aircraft.

4-5 p.m. Black Planes, Blue Sky

The research, development and test flight of stealth aircraft involved gifted talent and competition from the aerospace giants of Lockheed Martin, Boeing and Northrop Grumman. The men who flew prototypes that ushered in a new era of air dominance reflect on the contributions of code-named projects like Have Blue, Tacit Blue and Bird of Prey.

SUNDAY, MARCH 25

9:30-10:30 a.m. Lockheed Vega - Bridge to the Future

4-5 p.m. It’s A Bird, It’s A Plane, It’s a Blackbird!

The SR-71 Blackbird is not a bird, and the U-2 is not a rock ‘n roll act. The two aircraft comprise a historic epic of our nation’s quest to fly higher, and faster. And both planes have a place in the history book of high-flying “eye in the sky” surveillance in keeping our nation secure throughout the Cold War and up to the present moment.

Explore the Heroes & Legends History Panel

The History Panel at the Los Angeles County Air Show brings together the most celebrated aviators, engineers, and storytellers from the aerospace community. Over two days, attendees have the rare opportunity to hear firsthand accounts from the men and women who pushed the boundaries of flight and shaped modern aviation. From record-setting parachute jumps to the development of stealth technology, the panel covers a wide spectrum of topics that will captivate enthusiasts of all ages.

Each session is designed to be interactive and informative, with time for audience questions. Whether you are a lifelong aviation buff or simply curious about the wonders of flight, the History Panel offers a unique blend of education and inspiration. Don't miss this chance to connect with living legends and learn about the historic aircraft that defined generations.

The Pioneers of High-Altitude Flight

Colonel Joseph Kittinger's 1960 free fall from the edge of space remains one of the most daring feats in aviation history. As part of Project Excelsior, Kittinger ascended to 102,800 feet in a helium balloon and stepped out, reaching speeds of over 600 miles per hour before deploying his parachute. His jump provided crucial data for the U.S. space program and set records that stood for over 50 years.

Decades later, the Red Bull Stratos mission sought to break those records with Felix Baumgartner's jump from 128,000 feet in 2012. The project, a collaboration between aerospace experts and Red Bull, showcased the advancements in technology, spacesuit design, and mission planning. This session delves into the science, risks, and triumphs of high-altitude parachuting, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how these extraordinary feats were accomplished.

Learn about the physiological challenges of near-space environments
Discover the engineering behind the pressurized suits and capsule
Hear personal stories from the veterans of these pioneering missions

Skunk Works: Innovation in the Shadows

For 75 years, Lockheed Martin's Skunk Works division has been synonymous with cutting-edge aerospace innovation. Founded by Clarence "Kelly" Johnson in 1943, Skunk Works operated under a simple philosophy: small teams, minimal bureaucracy, and a focus on rapid prototyping. This approach led to some of the most iconic aircraft in history, from the P-80 Shooting Star, America's first operational jet fighter, to the U-2 and SR-71, which redefined high-altitude reconnaissance.

The division's success is rooted in its culture of secrecy and agility. Engineers worked directly with production teams, often under tight deadlines and unprecedented technical challenges. The F-117 Nighthawk, the world's first operational stealth aircraft, was developed here, proving that radar evasion was possible. Today, Skunk Works continues to push boundaries with projects like the X-59 QueSST, aiming to reduce sonic booms to a whisper. This panel session provides an insider's view of the people and projects that made Skunk Works a legend.

Discover the "14 Rules of Skunk Works" that guided innovation
Explore the development of the U-2 and its role in Cold War intelligence
Learn about the transition from Blackbird to today's advanced aircraft

Stealth: Shaping the Future of Air Dominance

The advent of stealth technology revolutionized air combat, allowing aircraft to operate undetected in hostile airspace. The competition between aerospace giants Lockheed Martin, Boeing, and Northrop Grumman led to groundbreaking prototypes like Have Blue, Tacit Blue, and the Bird of Prey. These secret programs tested radical designs, radar-absorbent materials, and unconventional flight characteristics that would later inform operational aircraft such as the F-117 and B-2.

In this session, the test pilots who flew these experimental aircraft share their recollections of flying machines that were never meant for public view. They discuss the challenges of controlling inherently unstable designs, the thrill of being on the cutting edge, and the legacy of these programs in shaping today's air superiority. It's a rare glimpse into a world that remained hidden for decades.

"We were flying things that looked like they came from another planet. The Bird of Prey was so secret, even our families didn't know what we did." – Anonymous test pilot

Attendees will gain a deeper appreciation for the sacrifices and ingenuity that go into maintaining air dominance.

The Lockheed Vega: A Bridge to Modern Aviation

Before the jet age, the Lockheed Vega was a record-setting aircraft that bridged the gap between early biplanes and modern monoplanes. Introduced in 1927, the Vega featured a streamlined, cantilevered wooden monocoque fuselage and a high wing, giving it exceptional speed and range for its time. It became the aircraft of choice for pioneering aviators like Wiley Post, who flew a Vega around the world, and Amelia Earhart, who used one for her solo transatlantic flight.

The Vega's success established Lockheed as a leader in aviation design and set the stage for future innovations. Its influence can be seen in the sleek lines of later aircraft and the emphasis on aerodynamics that defines modern engineering. This panel session explores the Vega's impact on aviation history and its role as a stepping stone to the advanced aircraft of today. Through photographs, stories, and technical insights, audiences will discover why this elegant airplane remains a favorite among historians.

Eyes in the Sky: The U-2 and SR-71 Legacy

The U-2 and SR-71 Blackbird are two of the most recognizable aircraft ever built, serving as America's high-altitude eyes and ears during the Cold War and beyond. The U-2, with its long, glider-like wings, could cruise at 70,000 feet, photographing targets deep inside enemy territory. The SR-71, faster than a rifle bullet, could outrun surface-to-air missiles while gathering intelligence at speeds exceeding Mach 3.

These aircraft relied on cutting-edge technology and extraordinary pilot skill. U-2 pilots wore spacesuits similar to those of astronauts, while SR-71 crews endured extreme temperatures and the physical demands of high-speed flight. Their missions provided critical intelligence that helped prevent conflicts and shape diplomatic strategies. This session brings together veterans who flew these incredible machines, sharing stories of hair-raising missions and the camaraderie that defined their service.

The legacy of the U-2 and SR-71 continues today, with the U-2 still in service and the SR-71's technology influencing modern reconnaissance and hypersonic research. Join us to honor the men and women who flew "higher and faster" and to learn why these aircraft remain icons of American ingenuity.