Ed Heinemann facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Edward Henry Heinemann
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| Born | March 14, 1908 |
| Died | November 26, 1991 (aged 83) |
| Occupation | Aeronautical engineer |
Edward Henry Heinemann (born March 14, 1908 – died November 26, 1991) was a brilliant engineer. He designed many military aircraft for the Douglas Aircraft Company. His planes were famous for their simple yet powerful designs. Many of them became legends in aviation history.
About Edward Heinemann
Heinemann was born in Saginaw, Michigan. He grew up in Los Angeles, California. He taught himself engineering. In 1926, he started working at Douglas Aircraft Company as a draftsman. A draftsman draws detailed plans for things like airplanes.
He left Douglas for a short time. He worked at other aircraft companies. But he returned to Douglas in 1932. By 1936, he became the company's Chief Engineer. This was a very important job. He stayed at Douglas until 1960.
Later, he joined General Dynamics in 1962. There, he helped develop the famous F-16 fighter jet. He retired in 1973.
The famous airplane designer Burt Rutan looked up to Heinemann. Rutan said Heinemann inspired him to become an aerospace engineer. Heinemann had a simple way of designing planes. He would find the most powerful engine available. Then, he would design the entire aircraft around that engine.
Amazing Aircraft Designs
During his long career at Douglas, Heinemann designed over 20 combat aircraft. Most of these were for the U.S. Navy. Many of his designs became very well-known.
Here are some of the aircraft he designed:
- SBD Dauntless – a dive bomber
- A-20 Havoc – a light bomber and attack aircraft
- A-26 Invader – another light bomber and attack aircraft
- A-1 Skyraider – a powerful attack aircraft
- A-3 Skywarrior – a large bomber
- A-4 Skyhawk – a small, light light bomber
- F3D Skyknight – a night fighter
- F4D Skyray – a fast carrier-based fighter aircraft
- Douglas Skystreak and Douglas Skyrocket – these were special research aircraft
One of his very first designs was the Moreland M-1 Trainer from 1929. It was a training plane with a wing above the main body. Not many were sold because of the Great Depression. This was a time when the economy was very bad.
Awards and Honors
Edward Heinemann received many important awards for his work.
- 1953: The Collier Trophy for his work on the F4D Skyray
- 1978: The Guggenheim Medal
- 1981: Inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame
- 1982: Inducted into the International Air & Space Hall of Fame
- 1983: The National Medal of Science
The Naval Air Systems Command gives out the Edward H. Heinemann Award every year. This award honors people or groups who make big contributions to aircraft design.
