No.12 -- Sierra Wave Project, Bishop, California Airport

15 June 2002

Fifty years ago, the eastern edge of the Sierra Nevada was the site of intense atmospheric research to explore the cause and dynamics of the newly appreciated and powerful mountain wave phenomenon known locally as the Sierra Wave. This Landmark honors the pioneering spirit of the members of the two-year Sierra Wave Project; civilian glider pilots, volunteers, Army, Air Force, Navy personnel and UCLA staff. Their stratospheric flights were conducted under the inspiration and guidance of the Southern California Soaring Association. [References]

Click on any photo to see a larger version.

Paul MacCready flying the "Orlik" sailplane high over the Owens Valley in 1948.

Some of the participants of the "Wave Project" in 1951-2: Betsy Woodward, Oats Schwarzenberger, Dr. Joachim Kuettner, Larry Edgar, Harold Klieforth, Al Langenheim, and the Bishop Airport Manager at the time.

The wave cloud in March of 1952 which carried Larry Edgar to his world altitude record.

Souvenir glider-flown mail arrived. Onlookers were Ed Slater, Ron Coombes, Bishop Postmaster, Simine Short, David Grah who carried the mail in his "Libelle 301" on a local flight, and Bob Ball, at the time President of the NSM.

NLS #12 souvenir mail, flown by Dave Grah on a local flight.

The Dedication Ceremony in the afternoon, held at the Bishop Airport. It was good to have shade!

Members of the 1952 Wave Project.

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