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John P. Stapp papers, 1930s-1990s

MS-018

Biographical Note

John Paul Stapp (1910-1999), aerospace medicine and automotive safety researcher, is best known for his work studying human tolerance of acceleration/deceleration forces and for studies related to crash protection. His biodynamics research at Edwards and Holloman Air Force Bases involved the rocket-sled tests during which Stapp himself served as a subject and was subjected to forces more than 40 times the pull of gravity, leading Time magazine to call him "the fastest man on Earth." Stapp also implemented a car-crash study program while at Holloman, and in 1955 held the first of a series of meetings that would become known as the Stapp Car Crash Conference. This annual conference is now administered by the Stapp Association.

Scope and Content

The Stapp papers document John Paul Stapp's research in aerospace medicine and safety, with a particular focus on his biodynamics research at Edwards and Holloman Air Force Bases which resulted in a greater understanding of human tolerance of acceleration/deceleration forces. The collection includes copies of publications, reports, and presentations by Stapp, from his 1932 Master's thesis in zoology through his studies of human tolerance and crash protection, to later reflections on the history of impact and protection research. The collection includes extensive files related to Stapp's sled tests conducted at Edwards and Holloman Air Force Bases, including reports, test data, photographs and films. Also included is SAE committee correspondence, an in-depth bibliography on biodynamics, and an extensive library of reference files, reports, and books by other authors.

Restrictions

Conditions Governing Access

Advance notice is required to use the collection. Portions of the collection may be unavailable for research use. Contact the Archives for additional information.

Controlled Access Terms

Administrative Information

Preferred Citation

[Item title or description]. John P. Stapp papers (MS-018). Aviation Safety and Security Archives, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott, Arizona.

Acquisition Information

The Stapp papers were received from the Stapp Foundation in 2014. Archives accession number 2014.002.