James Martin (engineer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir James Martin
CBE FIMechE FRAeS CEng
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Martin in 1974
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| Born | 11 September 1893 Crossgar, County Down, Northern Ireland
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| Died | 5 January 1981 (aged 87) Southlands Manor, Denham, Buckinghamshire, England, United Kingdom
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| Resting place | St. Mary the Virgin Churchyard, Denham, Buckinghamshire, England |
| Nationality | British Irish |
| Occupation | Engineer |
| Known for | Inventor of the ejector seat and founder of the Martin-Baker aircraft company |
| Spouse(s) | Muriel Haines |
| Children | 4 |
| Parent(s) | Thomas Martin & Sarah Coulter |
Sir James Martin (born September 11, 1893 – died January 5, 1981) was a brilliant engineer from Ireland. He is most famous for inventing the life-saving ejection seat for airplanes. He also co-founded the Martin-Baker company, which still makes these seats today.
The Life of an Inventor
James Martin was born on September 11, 1893, in a place called Killinchy Woods, near Crossgar in County Down, Ireland. He was very interested in engineering from a young age. In 1929, he started his very own engineering business.
Starting Martin-Baker
In 1934, James Martin teamed up with a pilot named Captain Valentine Baker. Together, they created the Martin-Baker company. Captain Baker was the test pilot, meaning he flew the airplanes they designed.
Sadly, Captain Baker died in a crash while testing their third airplane design, the Martin-Baker MB 3. This tragic event deeply affected James Martin. He became determined to create a way for pilots to escape a crashing aircraft safely. This led him to invent the ejection seat.
Awards and Recognition
James Martin's work was highly respected. In 1964, he received the Gold Medal from the Royal Aero Club. This award recognized his important contributions to aviation.
In 2004, after his death, James Martin was honored again. He was added to the International Air & Space Hall of Fame at the San Diego Air & Space Museum. This shows how important his inventions were to the world of flight.
Honored on a Banknote
James Martin's amazing contributions to engineering were even featured on money! The Northern Bank in Northern Ireland created a special series of banknotes called "Inventor."
His picture was placed on their £100 note. This was a unique way to remember his genius. The bank stopped using this specific note in 2013.
