Who Is Christian Corry?
Christian Corry is a former United States Marine Corps helicopter pilot and a highly regarded experimental test pilot at Sikorsky, a division of Lockheed Martin. While many recognize him as the ex-husband of soccer legend Mia Hamm, Corry has independently built a reputation as a pivotal figure in modern military aviation.
He is currently best known for serving as the Lead Program Pilot for the U.S. Army’s FARA (Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft) program—a next-generation initiative designed to replace the aging OH-58 Kiowa scout helicopters.
With over 4,000 flight hours across 25+ aircraft platforms, Corry is widely respected in aerospace and defense circles as one of the most trusted voices in vertical lift innovation.
Quick Facts About Christian Corry (2025):
- Full Name: Christian Corry
- Occupation: Experimental Test Pilot
- Company: Sikorsky (Lockheed Martin)
- Military Service: U.S. Marine Corps (11 years)
- Primary Aircraft Flown: CH-53E, CH-53K, S-97 Raider, SB>1 Defiant
- Total Flight Hours: 4,000+
- Aircraft Platforms: 25+
- Notable Role: Lead Test Pilot, FARA program
- Education: B.A., Political Science, UNC Chapel Hill
- Residence: Jupiter, Florida
- Former Spouse: Mia Hamm
Early Life and Educational Background
Born and raised in the United States, Christian Corry took an academic path that might seem unconventional for a test pilot. He graduated with a B.A. in Political Science from UNC-Chapel Hill, where he honed his analytical and critical thinking skills. But while his studies focused on political systems, his future took flight—literally.
What sparked Corry’s aviation career?
Though his degree was non-technical, Corry’s decision to join the U.S. Marine Corps opened the door to elite flight training programs and operational aviation assignments. His hands-on experience in one of the world’s most demanding flight environments would later serve as the foundation for his work in aircraft development and safety testing.
Christian Corry’s Military Career: From the Cockpit to Combat Zones
What did Christian Corry do in the U.S. Marine Corps?
Christian Corry served more than 11 years in the United States Marine Corps, flying the CH-53E Super Stallion, the heaviest-lifting helicopter in the U.S. military’s fleet. This aircraft is used for transporting troops, armored vehicles, and supplies in combat environments, disaster response zones, and humanitarian missions.
Key responsibilities included:
- Operating in combat and high-risk environments
- Performing tactical airlifts in Iraq, Afghanistan, and domestic bases
- Commanding aviation teams under extreme conditions
His time in the Marines built not just flight skills, but real-world decision-making ability under stress—critical for a future test pilot.
Transitioning to Sikorsky: Entering the Aerospace Industry
When did Corry join Sikorsky, and why?
After retiring from military service, Corry joined Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation in 2008. He was initially hired as a Production Test Pilot, where he conducted final flight tests on factory-built helicopters to certify their safety and performance.
What programs has Christian Corry worked on?
At Sikorsky, Corry’s expertise led him to support and test some of the most advanced aircraft projects of the past decade:
- CH-53K King Stallion: The next-generation heavy-lift helicopter for the U.S. Marine Corps.
- S-92 and S-76: Used in search and rescue, offshore transport, and executive transport.
- S-97 Raider & SB>1 Defiant: Advanced prototypes under the Future Vertical Lift initiative.
- FARA (Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft): A U.S. Army modernization priority.
National Test Pilot School: Elite Training for Elite Missions
In 2016, Corry attended the National Test Pilot School (NTPS) in Mojave, California—a globally recognized institution for training both military and civilian test pilots. The program is rigorous, with pilots trained in aerodynamics, systems testing, flight envelope expansion, and failure response.
Upon graduation, Corry advanced to the role of Experimental Test Pilot at Sikorsky—a position that involves flying aircraft under development to identify bugs, test safety systems, and provide real-time feedback to engineers.
Flight Experience and Technical Credentials
How many flight hours does Christian Corry have?
- Total flight hours: Over 4,000+
- Aircraft types flown: 25+
- Flight domains: Military rotorcraft, commercial helicopters, and select fixed-wing aircraft
Corry’s range of experience makes him uniquely qualified to push experimental aircraft to their limits, often flying prototypes that have never seen combat or commercial deployment.
What Is FARA and Why Is Christian Corry Leading It?
The Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA) is one of the Pentagon’s most anticipated modernization efforts. It’s meant to replace the OH-58 Kiowa and serve as a scout and light attack helicopter for Army aviation.
Corry’s role in FARA includes:
- Serving as the Lead Test Pilot
- Overseeing flight performance, agility, and safety
- Working closely with engineers to fine-tune design elements
- Evaluating next-gen avionics, stealth rotor tech, and weapons integration
Why this matters: FARA is expected to be the U.S. Army’s aerial eyes and ears on the battlefield by the early 2030s. Corry’s decisions today are shaping how soldiers will fight—and survive—in the future.
Where Does Christian Corry Live Now?
Christian Corry currently resides in Jupiter, Florida, near Sikorsky’s key testing and engineering facilities. He maintains a low public profile, focusing on his professional responsibilities and contributing to innovation within Lockheed Martin’s aviation initiatives.
Was Christian Corry Married to Mia Hamm?
Yes, Christian Corry was previously married to Mia Hamm, the two-time Olympic gold medalist and one of the most iconic figures in women’s soccer history.
- Marriage year: 1994
- Divorce year: 2002
- Met at: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Although both have moved on personally and professionally, their union remains a topic of public interest due to Hamm’s celebrity status.
What Makes Christian Corry’s Work So Influential?
Unlike typical pilots, Corry bridges the gap between operational realities and technical design. He collaborates daily with:
- Aerospace engineers
- Military liaisons
- Safety regulators
- Project managers
His real-world flying experience gives crucial insight into how aircraft will perform under pressure, in combat, or when lives are at risk.
What’s Next for Christian Corry?
As the FARA program moves into full prototype testing, Corry’s role will likely expand into:
- Supervising pilot training and user manuals
- Evaluating AI-based avionics systems
- Participating in DoD strategic planning
- Advancing safety protocols for unmanned flight support
In a world moving toward autonomous aerial warfare and digitally networked combat, Corry’s blend of human judgment and technical insight is more valuable than ever.
Interesting Facts About Christian Corry
- He holds a rare combination of tactical combat flight experience and advanced experimental credentials.
- Corry is one of only a handful of pilots trusted to fly both classified and prototype aircraft for the U.S. Department of Defense.
- Despite his accomplishments, he remains media-shy and rarely participates in interviews or public appearances.
Conclusion: Why Christian Corry’s Role Truly Matters
Christian Corry has built a career rooted in expertise, discipline, and real-world aviation leadership. From serving over a decade in the U.S. Marine Corps to becoming a trusted experimental test pilot at Sikorsky, his contributions have directly impacted the development of next-generation military helicopters.
As the Lead Program Pilot for FARA, Corry plays a critical role in shaping how the U.S. Army will operate in future combat environments. His real-world experience, technical insight, and operational understanding ensure that aircraft meet the highest standards of safety, performance, and mission-readiness.
