PLEASE NOTE: This is a pre-order release - patches and prints will be despatched as soon as they’re ready.

Forty years ago, a very special Eagle soared into aerospace history.

On 13 September 1985, Maj. Wilbert D. ‘Doug’ Pearson piloted an F-15A into the skies above Edwards AFB, carrying a live ASM-135 anti-satellite missile. After achieving a speed of Mach 1.22, Pearson executed a 65-degree zoom climb, pulling 3.8g on entry, and released the weapon at 38,100ft - leaving it to rocket skyward, 200 miles north of Vandenberg AFB. Moments later, the 30lb Miniature Homing Vehicle (MHV) collided with the Solwind P78-1 satellite 345 miles above Earth, impacting at a blistering 15,000 mph.

Today we commemorate this singular Cold War milestone with a limited-edition patch and print. The design honours not only the jet (76-0084) - which became known as the ‘Celestial Eagle’ - but also the many engineers and project staff who enabled such a successful feat. We are also pleased to recognise the skill of Maj Pearson, whose career took him on through other achievements, until he retired as Maj Gen Pearson in 2005. His own personal trajectory was carried forward by his son - Lt Col Todd ‘Buddha’ Pearson, who commanded the 493rd Fighter Squadron ‘The Grim Reapers’ and retired the Eagle from active service in Europe in April 2022, 45 years after Doug helped deliver some of the first to Bitburg AFB in Germany. Todd later flew the Celestial Eagle, 22 years after his father’s momentous flight - on 13 September 2007.

Whilst 76-0084 now sadly rests in the ‘boneyard’ at Davis Monthan AFB, its legacy lives on, in this special commemorative patch and artwork to recognise the 40th anniversary. Look closely and you’ll find a subtle nod to Buddha following in his father’s footsteps in this beautiful artwork from Chris W Dodd.

This little bundle of history is now available for pre-order and will be dispatched as we have them completed.

The whole team wishes all the very best to the Pearson family as we share in this salute to US Air Force history.

Aim High

Print size: A3

Patch size: 11.5cm high by 8.5cm wide approximately

Please note: The patch image is a concept design, and final product may differ.