Wilbert Pearson

Wilbert "Doug" Pearson Jr. is a retired major general and test pilot in the United States [Air Force]. On September 13, 1985, he conducted the test launch of an ASM-135 ASAT missile that destroyed the Solwind satellite. He later served as the director of operations for Air Force [Materiel Command] and as the commander of the Air Force [Flight Test Center]. Pearson retired from active duty on January 1, 2005.

Personal life

Pearson's son, Todd, was the commander of the 493rd Fighter Squadron at RAF Lakenheath. In 2007, Todd flew the F-15 Eagle that was used for the ASM-135 test launch in a commemorative flight.

Dates of promotion