Heinemann, edward henry

Edward Henry Heinemann ( Eng. Edward Henry Heinemann ; March 14, 1908 - November 26, 1991 ) was an American aircraft designer who worked for the Douglas Aircraft Company. He was the chief designer of a number of combat and experimental aircraft. In 1981, his name entered the Hall of Aviation glory .

Ed Heinemann was born in Saginaw , Michigan . He spent his childhood in California . He graduated from the Higher School of Applied Arts in Los Angeles . In 1926 he began working at Douglas Aircraft. In the second half of the 1930s, Heinemann became the chief engineer of the Douglas department in El Segundo . Under his leadership, more than 20 aircraft were created, including:

• SBD "Donfless" - the main dive bomber of the US Navy during the Second World War.
• A-26 Invader is a medium bomber.
• A-1 "Skyrader" - piston attack aircraft. Despite its archaic nature, the US Air Force was used until the very end of the Vietnam War.
• D-558-1 Skystrik - experimental aircraft. Set a world speed record.
• D-558-2 Skyrocket - the first aircraft, twice the speed of sound.
• F3D "Skylight" - a night interceptor.
• F4D "Skyray" - a fighter. The first supersonic aircraft of the US Navy.
• F5D "Skylancer" - fighter, not produced in series.
• A-3 Skywatch is a deck bomber.
• A-4 "Skyhawk" - attack aircraft. Operated by the US Navy for nearly half a century. Among the pilots he had the nickname "Heinemann hot-rod ."

In 1958, Heinemann became vice president of the Douglas division, which was involved in the creation of combat aircraft. In the early 1960s, he joined General Dynamics, Inc. Resigned in 1973 .

Awards:

• Collier Prize (1953)
• Guggenheim Medal (1978)
• National Science Medal (1983)

Heinemann's name is listed in the Aviation Hall of Fame (1981).