Kelly Johnson facts for kids

Kelly Johnson was a super smart American engineer. He worked for a company called Lockheed Martin. He helped create many amazing airplanes. One of his most famous designs was the SR-71 Blackbird. He also worked on the P-38.

Kelly Johnson worked in a special part of Lockheed Martin called "Skunk Works." Here, with another engineer named Ben Rich, they designed the SR-71 Blackbird. This plane was incredibly fast! It could fly at over 2,193 miles per hour. That's more than three times the speed of sound (Mach 3+). The SR-71 Blackbird also flew very high. It could reach an altitude of 80,000 feet above the ground. No other plane could fly that high!

Kelly Johnson's Life and Work

Kelly Johnson was born in 1910. He showed a talent for engineering early on. He joined Lockheed Aircraft Corporation in 1933. This was the start of his amazing career. He became known for his innovative ideas. He also worked very quickly.

The Skunk Works Team

The "Skunk Works" was a secret division at Lockheed. It was known for developing advanced aircraft. Kelly Johnson led this special team. They worked on top-secret projects. They often designed planes faster than anyone thought possible. This team created many groundbreaking aircraft.

Designing Amazing Airplanes

Kelly Johnson helped design over 40 different aircraft. Each one pushed the limits of flight. The P-38 Lightning was a powerful fighter plane. It was used during World War II. The SR-71 Blackbird was a spy plane. It flew so fast and high that no enemy could catch it. These planes changed aviation history.

Later Years and Legacy

Kelly Johnson retired from Lockheed Martin in 1975. But he continued to be a consultant. He helped guide new projects. He was a true legend in aviation. His work made air travel safer and faster. It also helped protect his country.

Passing Away

Kelly Johnson became ill in his later years. He passed away at the age of 80. He died at St. Joseph Medical Center in Burbank. He is remembered as one of the greatest aircraft designers ever. His inventions continue to inspire engineers today.

Images for kids

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  The incredible SR-71 Blackbird, designed by Kelly Johnson's team.