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The ECAMS

The Daily Briefing

Crossword · Sudoku · Trivia

August 20, 2026THEECAMS.COM

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This Day in Aviation

1955

This Day in Aviation: 20 August 1955

On 20 August 1955, Colonel Horace A. Hanes of the United States Air Force piloted the first North American Aviation F-100C-1-NA Super Sabre, serial number 53-1709, to a historic milestone. Flying at 40,000 feet over a measured 15-to-25-kilometer course at Edwards Air Force Base, California, Hanes reached Mach 1.246. This achievement established a new Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) speed record of 1,323.312 kilometers per hour (822.268 miles per hour). This flight marked the first supersonic world speed record and the first set at high altitude, shifting away from dangerous low-level attempts.

For this accomplishment, Colonel Hanes received the Mackay Trophy. The F-100C Super Sabre, a single-seat, single-engine swept-wing fighter, was powered by a Pratt & Whitney J57-P-7 turbojet. After testing, the record-setting aircraft was transferred to NACA for variable stability research before its current display at the Castle Air Museum.

Trivia

1. Which trophy was awarded to Colonel Horace A. Hanes for setting the first supersonic world speed record on 20 August 1955?

  1. A. The Collier Trophy
  2. B. The Mackay Trophy
  3. C. The Harmon Trophy
  4. D. The MacKay Trophy
Show answer

B. The evidence states: 'For his accomplishment, Colonel Hanes was awarded the Mackay Trophy.'

2. Which crossword answer matches this clue: Three-letter code for Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport?

  1. A. TSA
  2. B. LIS
  3. C. ETA
  4. D. SIA
Show answer

B. LIS is the matching crossword entry.

3. Which crossword answer matches this clue: Auxiliary power unit?

  1. A. APU
  2. B. AVIA
  3. C. PUSH
  4. D. ILS
Show answer

A. APU is the matching crossword entry.