Tag: Skunk Works

Ben Rich: The Father of Stealth
History

Ben Rich: The Father of Stealth

Ben Rich was one of the greatest aircraft designers of his generation. During the Cold War, he designed some of the world's greatest designers, succeeding the infamous Kelly Johnson as head of Lockheed's Skunk Works. Due to his contributions, mostly to stealth aircraft, he is commonly referred to as the "Father of Stealth". Without him, there would arguably be no F-117, SR-71 or even the F-22! He is arguably the most important aircraft designer that you've never heard of! (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Before Lockheed Benjamin Robert Rich was born in Manila, Philippines on June 18 1925. He was the eldest of five children born to British-born lumber mill superintendent Isidore Rich and his wife Annie. Isidore Rich had moved to Manila dur...
Kelly Johnson: The Man Behind Lockheed Skunk Works
History

Kelly Johnson: The Man Behind Lockheed Skunk Works

Kelly Johnson is known for a lot of things. He was the lead designer on several of Lockheed's greatest aircraft in the Cold War, as well as being the first leader of Lockheed's infamous Skunk Works division. His work was instrumental in preventing a Soviet win during the Cold War. His work thrust the aviation industry several decades into the future, going from traveling only a couple of hundred miles per hour to several times the speed of sound! (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Before Lockheed Kelly Johnson was born on February 27 1910 in Ishpeming, Michigan, a remote mining town. His parents were Swedish immigrants from Malmo. His father, ran a construction company and his mother was a homemaker. He was one of seven children, as well as the...