| Agnew E. Larsen | |
|---|---|
A PA-5 Mailwing designed by Larson |
|
| Died | August 17, 1969 Philadelphia |
| Residence | Jenkintown, Pennsylvania |
| Occupation | Aircraft Engineer |
| Employer | Pitcairn Aircraft Company |
| Known for | Pitcairn Biplane and Autogiro Designs |
Agnew E. Larson ( 1897–1969 ) was an American aircraft engineer who designed a series of pioneering airmail aircraft, and engineered progressive improvements to rotary wing aircraft that are in use in most modern helicopters currently.
In 1916 Harold Pitcairn attended an apprenticeship at Curtiss Aeroplane and Motor Company, becoming friends with Larson.
In 1925 Larson and Pitcairn approached Cierva about licensing autogiro technology.
In 1927, longtime friend, Pitcairn approached Larson to leave the Thomas-Morse Aircraft company, to join Pitcairn Aircraft Company as chief engineer.[1] Larson developed the Pitcairn PA-1 Fleetwing, the first of a long series of biplanes for Pitcairn.[2]
In 1930 Larson won the Collier Trophy along with Pitcairn for the work on autogiro technology.
1947 Larson merges his company rotawings with the Glenn L. Martin Company.
Larson invented an inflatable gyrocopter parachute that was featured in Popular Mechanics.[3]
Larson died from cancer in August 1969 in [4]
Greg Larson, Agnew E. Larson's grandson is a business development manager for the Hagerstown, MD, Regional Airport founding Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics school for aircraft technicians.[5]