Northrop Grumman Aviator Receives Highest Honor From Society of Experimental Test Pilots

Roy Martin, chief test pilot for Northrop Grumman Corporation's Integrated Systems sector, has been inducted as a fellow by the Society of Experimental Test Pilots (SETP) for his prominent contributions to flight testing. Martin is one of only 194 test pilots to receive this distinction – the highest grade of membership attainable from SETP, an international organization with more than 2,100 members – in the organization's 48-year history.

"It's an honor to be recognized by an organization that so passionately fosters aeronautical innovation while motivating the highest standards of air safety," said Martin, who accepted the award during SETP's 47th annual symposium and banquet Sept. 24-27 in Los Angeles.

"It's even more humbling to be invited to join a club that includes names like Lindbergh, Doolittle and Sikorsky. 

For me, flying experimental airplanes has always been a wonderful adventure, so being honored for doing what I most love doing is truly a blessing."

In more than 30 years of flying, Martin has logged approximately 9,400 flight hours in more than 60 aircraft, including the F-4 and F-5 fighters, C-141 transport, E-3A airborne warning and control system, T-39 Sabreliner, Lear Jet and Gulfstream G-2. As a former U.S. Air Force officer, he flew the F-4 Phantom on more than 200 combat missions in Southeast Asia. After combat duty, he was an F-5 Tiger instructor, training foreign military pilots before they attended the USAF Test Pilot School.

Martin joined Northrop Grumman in 1982 as an engineering test pilot, and currently works at the company's Air Combat Systems facility in Palmdale, Calif. In August, he flew a modified F-5E as the test pilot for Northrop Grumman's historic shaped sonic boom demonstration. Martin also served as president of SETP from 2002-2003.

Since 1955, the SETP has been recognized as a world leader in promoting safety, communication and education in the design and flight test of aerospace vehicles and their related systems. Only test pilots who have achieved a defined amount of flight experience are considered for membership.

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