Safety Conference Speakers - Robert Kraus
| Speaker | Robert Kraus, Ph.D., joined the College of Aeronautics and Engineering in the summer of 2019 following a long and distinguished career in the US Air Force, serving as an airlift pilot, experimental test pilot, engineering professor, Chief Scientist at the US Air Force Academy, and research division chief. His career culminated in an assignment with the NATO Science and Technology Organization in Paris, France. One of the opportunities he had while working as an Experimental Test Pilot was to conduct hurricane-qualification testing on the new WC-130J aircraft. |
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| Contact | rkraus6@kent.edu |
| Degree | PhD, Virginia Tech |
| Hometown | Medina, Ohio |
| Current Location/Domicile | Kent State University |
| Job Title | Associate Dean, Flight and Operations, Kent State University |
| Previous Roles | US Air Force, 1987-2019. Colonel (retired), Experimental Test Pilot |
| Years of Experience | 31 |
| Aircraft Previously Flown | T-41, C-130, C-12, C-141 plus more than 30 others |
| Flight Hours | 3,300 |
| Presentation | I Double Dog Dare You--Flight Testing in a Hurricane |
| Short Description of your Speech/Presentation Topic | In 1999, the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron started receiving brand new WC-130J aircraft to replace their aging fleet. However, before releasing the aircraft to operational crews, it had to be proven safe, reliable, and effective in the hurricane environment. This presentation will cover the preparation for the initial storm penetrations and the lessons learned with solutions that led to the full mission qualification of the aircraft and crews. |
