Sign In

Dr. Lionel D. Alford

Light Attack Systems Lead Experimental Test Pilot at Textron Defense

Dr. Lionel D. Alford, Jr. is an accomplished aerospace design engineer, program manager, and experimental test pilot with a wealth of experience in the field.

Currently employed at Beechcraft Defense Corporation, Dr. Alford has a diverse background having worked for various prestigious organizations including Hawker-Beechcraft Corporation, Defense Research Associates, Flint Hills Solutions, EG&G, AirLaunch Systems, and the University of Dayton.

Dr. Alford's educational journey includes a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Dayton, where he conducted research on Aerodynamic Analysis of Natural Flapping Flight, focusing on low speed and spanwise flows on aerodynamic structures.

As an inventor, Dr. Alford holds a patent for the innovative Capped Helix Winglet (CHeW), a blended winglet design.

With a military background as a retired United States Air Force Lieutenant Colonel, Dr. Alford is an experienced experimental test pilot with over 6700 hours in more than 65 different types of aircraft.

A prolific writer and speaker, he has contributed extensively to the aerospace community with over 40 published papers and articles in international forums and journals.

Beyond his technical expertise, Dr. Alford is also a published author of historical fiction and science fiction novels, displaying his creativity and storytelling prowess.

His specialties encompass a wide range of areas including Flight Test, Engineering Design, Test and Evaluation (T&E), Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Military Operations, and Aircraft Certification among others.

Throughout his career, Dr. Alford has held various roles such as Chief Test Pilot, Engineering Consultant, and Author, showcasing his versatility and leadership capabilities in the aerospace industry.

An active member of the aviation community, Dr. Alford has also served on the board of the Kansas Aviation Museum, further contributing to the aviation legacy.

Dr. Lionel D. Alford
Add to my network

Location

Wichita, Kansas, United States