John Fozard facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John William Fozard
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| Born | 16 January 1928 Liversedge, West Riding of Yorkshire, England
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| Died | 17 July 1996 (aged 68) Alexandria, Virginia, United States
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| Nationality | British |
| Education | Hull Municipal Technical College, Cranfield University |
| Occupation | Engineer |
| Spouse(s) | Mary Ward, Gloria Roberts |
| Children | 2 sons |
| Parent(s) | John Fozard and Eleanor Paulkitt |
| Engineering career | |
| Discipline | Aeronautics |
| Institutions | RAeS |
| Employer(s) | Hawker Siddeley |
| Significant design | Hawker Siddeley Harrier |
| Significant advance | British Aerospace Sea Harrier |
| Awards | British Silver Medal for Aeronautics (1977) James Clayton Prize, IMechE (1983) Mullard Award (1983, with Ralph Hooper) |
John William Fozard (16 January 1928 – 17 July 1996) was a brilliant British engineer. He is best known for helping to design the famous Hawker Siddeley Harrier jet. This unique aircraft could take off and land vertically, like a helicopter!
Contents
Early Life and Education
John Fozard was born in Liversedge, England, on January 16, 1928. His family faced tough times because his father was unable to work. John grew up in a modest home.
He was a very bright student and did well at Heckmondwike Grammar School. When he was 14, he joined the Air Training Corps. This allowed him to visit Royal Air Force (RAF) bases. He even got to fly in large bombers like the Lancaster and Halifax.
After school, John started an apprenticeship at Blackburn Aircraft. This allowed him to study engineering while working. He earned a degree in aeronautical engineering in 1948. He then continued his studies at College of Aeronautics, Cranfield. He received a special diploma in aeronautics in 1950.
Designing the Harrier Jet
John Fozard began working for Hawker Siddeley in 1950. He joined a team of talented engineers. In the late 1950s, he worked on advanced jet designs. However, some of these projects were cancelled.
The company then focused all its efforts on the P.1127 project. This project would eventually lead to the Harrier jet. From 1965 to 1978, John Fozard was the Chief Designer for the Harrier. He took over from Ralph Hooper, who had started the project.
The Harrier jet was very special because it could take off and land straight up and down. This was a huge step forward in aircraft design. The first Harrier jets joined the RAF in August 1969.
Later, John also helped develop the British Aerospace Sea Harrier. This version was made for the Royal Navy. It was first delivered to the Navy in 1979. The Sea Harrier became very important for naval operations. The powerful Pegasus engine was key to the Harrier's unique abilities.
Later Career and Awards
From 1984 to 1987, John Fozard worked as a director at British Aerospace. He focused on special projects for military aircraft. He retired from British Aerospace in 1989.
After retiring, he became the Director of the National Air and Space Museum in the United States. He also held a special position there called the Charles A. Lindbergh Chair in Aerospace History.
John Fozard received many honors for his work. He became a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society in 1963. He was even the President of this society from 1986 to 1987. In 1987, he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society, which is a very high honor for scientists. He also received the OBE award in 1981.
Personal Life
John Fozard married Mary Ward in 1951. They had two sons. Later, he married Gloria Roberts in 1985. They lived in Alexandria, Virginia, in the United States.
John Fozard passed away on July 17, 1996, at the age of 68. He left behind an amazing legacy in aviation.
What People Said About Him
John Farley, another aviation expert, once said about John Fozard:
John Fozard was the most capable chief designer I have ever known. He was brilliant but he was a Yorkshire man. He'd got an ego five times the size of the county...
—John Farley
