Scott Air Force Base in St. Clair County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Sir Alan Cobham, KBE, AFC
6 May 1894 - 21 Oct. 1973
— Airlift/Tanker Association Hall of Fame - 2016 —
Photographed By Thomas Smith, October 5, 2021
1. Sir Alan Cobham, KBE, AFC Marker
Sir Alan was an aviator pioneer and a significant contributor to air mobility through his historic aerial refueling experiments. He earned his pilot wings with the RAF during World War I. Following the war, he became the first aviator to successfully conduct a round trip flight to India, this experience convinced him of the value of air to air refueling. In 1934, Cobham founded flight refueling LTD. to develop aerial refueling equipment. By 1939 FRL had perfected the loop hose system that was used to support 16 non-stop transatlantic mail missions. In March 1949, four KC-29M Tankers using FRL refueling equipment supported the first non-stop around the world flight of a B-50 Bomber. In May 1952, KB-29 Tankers refueled 12 F-84E Fighters on the first USAF combat mission to use aerial refueling. Sir Alan's innovative spirit resulted in operational aerial refueling products that fundamentally changed how air power is employed.Erected 2016 by Airlift/Tanker Association Hall of Fame.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Air & Space
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Location. 38° 32.381′ N, 89° 51.819′ W. Marker is in Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, in St. Clair County. Marker is on Main Street just east of Symington Drive, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 100 Heritage Dr, Scott Air Force Base IL 62225, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. General Walter Kross (here, next to this marker); Sergeant William H. Pitsenbarger (a few steps from this marker); Colonel Earl B. Young (a few steps from this marker); Lt Gen Joseph Smith (a few steps from this marker); Airlift (a few steps from this marker); Lt Gen William H. Tunner (a few steps from this marker); Team Scott 9/11 Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Gen William G. Moore Jr. (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Scott Air Force Base.
Photographed By Thomas Smith, October 5, 2021
2. Sir Alan Cobham, KBE, AFC Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on October 24, 2021. It was originally submitted on October 24, 2021, by Thomas Smith of Waterloo, Ill. This page has been viewed 108 times since then and 40 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 24, 2021, by Thomas Smith of Waterloo, Ill. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
