Steve Riddick

Senior R&D Engineer

Steve joined Adaptive Aerospace Group with over 25 years of experience in flight dynamics, experimental testing, and advanced aircraft controls research. His work spans wind-tunnel experimentation, flight testing, simulation modeling, and wind-tunnel management for NASA’s Langley Research Center.

His experience includes:

• Facility Manager for both the 20-Ft. Vertical Spin Tunnel and the 12-Ft. Low Speed Wind Tunnel.
• Lead test engineer for several fighter free-spin and atmospheric entry vehicle free-fall testing in the 20-Ft. Vertical Spin Tunnel.
• Flight-test engineer for Learn-to-Fly and Airborne Subscale Transport Aircraft Research (AirSTAR) flight test projects.
• Development lead for advanced forced-oscillation testing capability in the 12-Ft Low Speed Wind Tunnel.
• Aerodynamic database and flight dynamics simulation development for various experimental aircraft.
• FAA certified senior parachute rigger.
• Former skydiving instructor.

Steve is a recipient of NASA’s Exceptional Service Medal and co-inventor on a NASA patent for lo-density atmospheric flight vehicles. He holds a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from Virginia Tech.

Outside of work, Steve enjoys sailing, woodworking, and traveling to warm places.