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"Free Enterprise"[Space Shuttle] Limited Edition PrintCounter Signed by the Pilots Major General Joe H. Engle- Space Shuttle Enterprise; Fitzhugh L. "Fitz" Fulton - Boeing B747 and Mike Machat each with its ownCertificate of Authenticity [CoA].
"Free Enterprise"Limited Edition Printis one of the most ‘historically important’ and colourful Limited Edition Art Prints you are ever likely to see and appreciate.
This"Free Enterprise"is a stunning and beautiful depiction by Mike Machat of the 'critical' first flight test, of the 'Space ShuttleEnterprise', in which it no longer had the streamlined tail-cones it had used for previous flight testing.
This Test Flight was the first time the Space Shuttle was configured in the way it was planned to return from Space, with its engine nozzles exposed.
There were only850of these beautiful"Free Enterprise"[Space Shuttle]Limited Edition PrintsCounter Signed by the Pilots Major General Joe H. Engle - Space ShuttleEnterprise; Fitzhugh L. "Fitz" Fulton - Boeing B747 and Mike Machatcreated for the Worldwide market, each with aCertificate of Authenticity [CoA].
This is a very restricted opportunity in time and availability to acquire a premium new signed copy, numbered 679/850
Importantly, each"Free Enterprise"Limited Edition PRINTis a'historical document in its own right'magnificentlycountersignedby two of the most distinguished Test Pilots in aviation and space history with their role in Space Shuttle Enterpriseand SCA history:
- Major General Joe H. Engle - Space Shuttle Enterprise
- Fitzhugh L. "Fitz" Fulton - B747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft [SCA]
"More than History in a Lifetime, the 'Test Pilots' were an extraordinary and significant part of the 20th Century as they created Mankind's Aviation history. This 'truly' is a purchase for a lucky few to treasure.
Space and Aviation Firstsis an International Store having sold into more than 40 countries.
Shipping is included within Australia and Internationally as my gift to you.
Please order now so that you do not miss out on this outstanding opportunity!
Description(Space and Aviation Firsts © 2017-2023).
"Free Enterprise"[Space Shuttle]Limited Edition PrintCounter Signed by the Pilots Major General Joe H. Engle -Space ShuttleEnterprise; Fitzhugh L. "Fitz" Fulton - Boeing B747 and Mike Machat
Mike Machat's artistic jet researchincluded flight experiences in numerous 'exotic' aircraft types.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 Machat's Art sells incredibly quickly.
Here are a few words about this fine art Limited Edition Printby Mike Machat:
“In probably the most critical test of the as yet untried Space Shuttle, the orbiter "Enterprise" is released from its highly modified 747 carrier aircraft for its approach and landing test in actual flight configuration.
Without the streamlined tail cone used on previous test flights, there would be increased buffeting on the 747 shuttle carrier and the descent profile for the orbiter would be much steeper.
At 20,300 feet, shuttle pilot Joe Engle released the orbiter from the carrier aircraft, and NASA 747 pilot Fitz Fulton banked the Jumbo steeply away from the orbiter. Previous tests with the tail cone installed had required 5 1/2 minutes for the orbiter to reach the Edwards runway, but today that descent took only 2 minutes and 34 seconds.”
This incredibly beautiful large-size art"Free Enterprise"[Space Shuttle]Limited Edition Printcaptures all the vivid color and brilliance of the original Mike Machat work of art.
The 'hallmark' 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 the contrasting blue sky and sand-coloured Lakebed Runway of Edwards Air Force Base which have to be seen to be believed, and the 'in trail' views of the Space Shuttle Enterprise pulling 'nose high' on separation, thus allowing the NASA Boeing B-747 SCA to 'clear the air' underneath the Space Shuttle Enterprise's intended flight path.
in conjunction with the beauty of the “Enterprise” pulling up, and the stunning ex-American Airlines B747 - SCA pulling down to port - both maneuvers in synchronicity were designed to provide fast and good separation. The detail shown with the B747 speed brakes clearly visible and deployed illustrates some of the magnificence and detail of this art.
Own a Fine Art Editionby Mike Machat andyou will appreciate Test Flying like never before.
This art is a true gift to display and enjoy and then hand down, by the most acclaimed Test Flying Artistto ever fly.
There were many iconicAviationand Space in the 20th and now the 21st Century thatliterally carved thefuture of the World that we have today, and this was one of them.
Please order now so that you do not miss out on this very restricted opportunity!
Size
This historical"Free Enterprise"Limited Edition Printhas a:
Size of: 21.5"w x 26.5”h
Historically hand signed by the Pilots Major General Joe H. Engle - Space ShuttleEnterprise; Fitzhugh L. "Fitz" Fulton - Boeing B747; and Mike Machateach with its ownCertificate of Authenticity [CoA].
Upon purchase, I will be pleased to provide written professional museum framing hints as an additional courtesy to you.
Shipping
Space and Aviation Firstsis an International Store having sold into more than 40 countries.Shipping is included within Australia and Internationally as my gift to you.
Please order now so that you do not miss out on this outstanding historical opportunity!
This newLimited Edition Printwill be shipped to you directly from Australia.This is a great buy and offering for International, UK, European and Asia Pacific Collectors.
Conclusion
"Free Enterprise"[Space Shuttle]Limited Edition PrintCounter Signed by the Pilots Major General Joe H. Engle - Space ShuttleEnterprise; Fitzhugh L. "Fitz" Fulton - Boeing B747 and Mike Machatis a must have 'Life Piece'is simplya must have 'Life Piece' of World, American, and Space Shuttle History.
The art isstunningly beautiful and representative of the testament and importance of the need and courage to test fly new 'Flight Vehicles'.
It is a wonderful and unique record of that exciting time in World and Space Shuttle flight test development history.
No aviation art collection should be withoutthemagnificenceof a specialised Mike Machat 'Test Flight' Art piece, signed by the master artist who created it, Mike Machat.
ALimited Edition Print ispremiumartand thisisa unique and beautiful Historical'Life Piece' of World and Aviation Flight Test History for you to own.
This signed copy is irreplaceable.Make this one yours!
Mission Profile(source Wikipedia)
Joe Henry Engle (born August 26, 1932) is an American pilot, aeronautical engineer and former NASA astronaut.
He was the first pilot to fly a 'Re-entry' from space on 29th June 1965 in the magnificent X-15 Rocket Plane Ser. No. 666372. The X-15 was theFirst Winged Space Vehicleto be flown back from Space.The Space Shuttle was not the first!
As an X-15 pilot, Engle made three flights above 50 miles, thus qualifying for astronaut wings under the American convention for the boundary of space. In 1966 he was selected for NASA's fifth Astronaut Group, joining the Apollo program.
He was the commander of two Space Shuttle missions including STS-2 in 1981, the program's second orbital flight.
He also flew three flights in the Shuttle program's 1977 Approach and Landing Tests. Engle is one of twelve pilots who flew the North American X-15, an experimental spaceplane jointly operated by the Air Force and NASA.
He was the backup Lunar Module Pilot (LMP) for Apollo 14 and was originally scheduled as LMP for Apollo 17. However, the cancellation of later flights prompted NASA to select geologist-astronaut Harrison Schmitt as LMP, displacing Engle.
Pilot Cmdr. Joe Engle is the only human being to have ever flown and returned two different types of winged vehicles into and back from space! The X-15 and later the Space Shuttle.
Engle is an experienced spaceplane operator and the last living X-15 pilot.
Fitzhugh L. "Fitz" Fulton, Jr. (June 6, 1925 – February 4, 2015), (Lt Col, USAF), was a civilian research pilot at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards, California, from August 1, 1966, until July 3, 1986, following 23 years of distinguished service as a pilot in the U.S. Air Force.
Fulton was the project pilot on all early tests of the Boeing 747 Space Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA) used to air launch the Space Shuttle prototype Enterprise in the Approach and Landing Tests (ALT) at Dryden in 1977. During these flights, the SCA carried Enterprise to an altitude of about 25,000 feet, where it was separated from the 747 and flown to a landing by the Shuttle test crew in five flights. Several uncrewed and crewed captive flights preceded the free flights.
For his work in the ALT program, Fulton received the NASA Exceptional Service Medal. He also received the Exceptional Service Medal again in 1983 for flying the 747 SCA during the European tour of the Space Shuttle Enterprise. After orbital flights began in 1981, Fulton continued to fly the SCA during ferry missions returning Orbiters to the Kennedy Space Center Florida.
During his career at Dryden, Fulton was a project pilot on NASA's B-29, B-50, and B-52 bombers launch aircraft used to air launch a variety of piloted and unpiloted research aircraft, including the X-1, X-2, X-15s, and M-2, HL-10, and X-24 rocket airplanes. He was also a project pilot on the Laminar Flow Control Leading Edge research program using a specially modified C-140 JetStar.
He was named a Fellow of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots, and in 1977 received the Society's Iven C. Kincheloe Award as Test Pilot of the Year for his work on the ALT program. At the time of his NASA retirement in 1986, Fulton had over 16,000 flying hours in 235 types of aircraft.
About Mike Machat
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 the 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 a USAF artist and Aviator flew in more than 200 different types of 'exotic' aircraft including the A-4, T-38, F-104, F-15, F-16, F-18, and Concorde.
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 forWings &AirpowerMagazine 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.
Mike is a Retired Flight-Rated Senior Artist for the U.S. Air Force Documentary Art Program and an Internationally acclaimed artist for World, USA X-Plane Aviation and ‘Space -historical events’.
Collectors' Hints(Space and Aviation Firsts© 2017-2023.
Collectors Hint 1 - What is a Premium 'Lithograph'Limited Edition Print?
ALithograph isa print created by running paper through a four-color press (red, yellow, blue, and black) making a full-color reproduction of an original painting in large quantities (usually 500-1,000).
If signed and numbered, it is a"Limited Edition" Print,and all materials and plates used in making the print are destroyed to ensure that the edition will never be reproduced again.
Premium Art-Limited Edition Printsutilising theLithographicprintingtechnique for very high quality provides'Stand Out Impressiveness' upon your Wall.
Please order now so that you do not miss out on this very restricted opportunity!
Photo Credits
Photo 1The full image of the"Free Enterprise"[Space Shuttle]Limited Edition PrintCounter Signed by the Pilots Major General Joe H. Engle - Space ShuttleEnterprise; Fitzhugh L. "Fitz" Fulton - Boeing B747 and Mike Machat
Photo 2 A 'zoomed in' image of the"Free Enterprise"[Space Shuttle]Limited Edition Print
Photo 3A later SCA crew is in the yellow suits and the Enterprise crew in the blue suits. From left, they are SCA pilot-in-command Fitz Fulton, Enterprise pilot-in-command Gordon Fullerton, SCA flight engineer Vic Horton, Enterprise pilot (and Apollo 13 veteran) Fred Haise, SCA flight engineer Vincent Alvarez, and SCA co-pilot Tom McMurtry. [courtesy NASA]
Photo 4The 'in trail' art view of the Space ShuttleEnterprisepulling 'nose high' on separation, thus allowing the NASA Boeing B-747 to 'clear the air' underneath the Space Shuttle Enterprise's intended flight path.
Photo 5A flight of the 'actual' Space ShuttleEnterpriseand the B747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft [SCA] without the tail cones in place, the subject of this Art. [courtesy NASA not included]
Photo 6A 'zoomed in' image of the art detail of ex the American Airlines - NASA B747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft [SCA] pulling down and away - Note: The B747 deployed speed-brakes following Enterprise's release to gain visual identification and clear the forward flight path for Enterprise
Photo 7A earlier flight of Enterprise separated from the B747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft [SCA] with the tail cones in place [courtesy NASA not included]
Photo 8Another full image of the"Free Enterprise"[Space Shuttle]Limited Edition PrintCounter Signed by the Pilots Major General Joe H. Engle - Space ShuttleEnterprise; Fitzhugh L. "Fitz" Fulton - Boeing B747 and Mike Machat
Photo 9An image of the outer cover of the"Free Enterprise"[Space Shuttle]Limited Edition PrintCertificate of Authenticity [CoA].
Photo 10An image of the inner cover of the"Free Enterprise"[Space Shuttle]Limited Edition PrintCertificate of Authenticity [CoA].
Photo 11TheArtistMike Machat climbing the ladder of theNASA 852 McDonnell Douglas F-18B at Edwards Air Force Base.
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