George Edwards (aviation) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
George Edwards
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|---|---|
| Born | 9 July 1908 |
| Died | 2 March 2003 (aged 94) |
| Education | Walthamstow Technical Institute Engineering and Trade School |
| Alma mater | University of London |
| Known for | BAC One-Eleven, Concorde |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Aircraft Designer |
| Institutions | Vickers-Armstrongs, British Aircraft Corporation |
Sir George Robert Freeman Edwards (born July 9, 1908 – died March 2, 2003) was a very important British aircraft designer. He was also a leader in the aviation industry. He helped create many famous airplanes that changed air travel and defense.
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Early Life and Learning
George Edwards was born in Highams Park, London, England. He went to a special school called Walthamstow Technical Institute. Here, he learned all about engineering and design. Later, he studied engineering design at the University of London. This education prepared him for a great career.
Designing Amazing Aircraft
Working at Vickers
George Edwards started his career in 1935 as a design draughtsman. This means he drew detailed plans for new aircraft. By 1945, he became the Chief Designer at Vickers-Armstrongs. His team designed many important planes.
Some of the famous aircraft he helped create at Vickers include:
- The Viking airliner, a passenger plane.
- The Valetta military transport, used to carry troops and supplies.
- The Viscount airliner, which was very popular.
- The Valiant strategic bomber, a powerful military aircraft.
Later, he became the managing director of Vickers. During this time, they developed the Vanguard and the VC10. He was recognized for his work and became a knight in 1957.
Leading at BAC
When Vickers joined with other companies to form the British Aircraft Corporation (BAC), George Edwards became an Executive Director. He helped start the project for the BAC One-Eleven, a successful passenger jet.
He also played a key role in international projects:
- He led the British team for the Concorde, a supersonic passenger jet.
- He worked on the Anglo-French SEPECAT Jaguar, a fighter jet.
- He contributed to the Panavia Tornado, another important military aircraft.
George Edwards received many awards for his work. These included the Daniel Guggenheim Medal and the Royal Medal. He retired from BAC in 1975. In 1989, he was honored in the International Aerospace Hall of Fame.
Personal Life
In 1935, George Edwards married Marjorie Annie Thurgood. They had one daughter named Angela. Outside of his work, he enjoyed painting and was a big fan of cricket. He even served as the president of the Surrey County Cricket Club in 1979. George Edwards passed away in 2003.
