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John Leland Atwood



John Leland Atwood

John Leland Atwood
JOHN LELAND ATWOOD
Premier U.S. Aero Engineer
Born Walton, Kentucky, October 26, 1906, Lee Atwood began his aero career as junior aero engineer with the Army Aircraft Branch at Wright Field in 1928.

Atwood joined North American Aviation in 1934 and became Chief Engineer and later President and Chief Executive Officer. He developed a series of military aircraft: BT-9, BC-1, T-6 trainers, and the B-25 Mitchell bomber; all of which contributed significantly to U.S. airpower. He personally originated the design concept of P-51 Mustang fighter of which 15,000 were produced for the Allies.

Postwar he led North American into the jet age with the F-86 and F-100 fighters, and into advanced aerodynamic research with the X-15 hypersonic aircraft and the B-70 strategic bomber. North American produced some 60,000 military aircraft under his leadership. Atwood's work also included the Minuteman missle, the Apollo spacecraft, Saturn booster engines, and the Space Shuttle program.

Atwood retired in 1970 as President of Rockwell International, a leader with dignity, integrity, and dedication to the advance of aero science.
Elected to the International Aerospace Hall of Fame 1984