Robert E. Gross (businessman) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Robert E. Gross
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Gross in 1953.
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| Born | May 11, 1897 Newton, Massachusetts, U.S.
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| Died | September 3, 1961 (aged 64) Los Angeles, California, U.S.
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Robert Ellsworth Gross (born May 11, 1897 – died September 3, 1961) was an American businessman. He was very important in the world of aviation, which means he worked with airplanes.
His first company, the Viking Flying Boat Company, did not succeed. This was because of a tough time called the Great Depression, when many people lost their jobs and businesses struggled. Robert Gross was also known for giving the name "AiraCobra" to the P-39 airplane made by Bell Aircraft.
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Early Life and Education
Robert Gross was born in Newton, Massachusetts. He went to St. George's School in Rhode Island and finished in 1915.
After that, he studied at Harvard University. While there, he was chosen to be the captain of the school's ice hockey team in his final year.
Leading Lockheed Aircraft
In 1932, Robert Gross and his brother Courtlandt S. Gross led a group of investors. They bought the Lockheed Aircraft Company. The company was in trouble because its previous owner, Detroit Aircraft Corporation, had gone bankrupt.
The brothers renamed it the Lockheed Aircraft Corporation. Robert Gross became the president of this new company in 1934 and stayed in that role until 1956.
A Big Bet on the Electra
Robert Gross took a big chance with the new company. He decided to focus on building a very advanced airplane called the Model 10, also known as the Electra. This plane was special because it was made entirely of metal and had wheels that could fold up into the plane (retractable landing gear).
The Electra and its later versions became very popular. They were used for many important flights that set new records in the 1930s.
Lockheed's Success and Famous Planes
The Electra helped Lockheed become a strong and successful company. Starting in 1937, Lockheed began making many P-38 Lightning fighter planes. These were important during World War II.
Later, from 1943, they also started mass-producing the famous Constellation airliners. These large passenger planes were known for their unique shape. Lockheed also made many other types of aircraft under Gross's leadership.
Later Life and Legacy
Robert Gross passed away in 1961 at the age of 64. He died from pancreatic cancer.
In the 2004 movie The Aviator, a character named Robert Gross appeared briefly. He was played by the actor Brent Spiner.
