| Augusto Cicaré | |
|---|---|
| Born | May 25, 1937 Polvaredas, Argentina |
| Nationality | Argentine |
| Fields | Engineering, aviation design |
| Notable awards | Juan Manuel Fangio Prize |
Augusto Cicaré (born May 25, 1937 in Polvaredas, Argentina) is an Argentinean inventor, engineer and aviation designer.
Cicaré constructed his first engine at the age of 11,[1] while by age 15 he was constructing motorcycle engines.[2]
In 1958, despite having never seen an actual helicopter before, and knowing little of helicopter design,[3] Cicaré's first successful helicopter design, the CH-1, flew for the first time, with its designer as the test pilot,[2] teaching himself how to fly in the process.[3] The CH-1 was the first helicopter to have been designed and built in South America. By 1972, Cicaré was developing his third helicopter.[4]
In the late 1960s, Cicaré designed a V-4 engine for use in DKW automobiles, the engine being extensively tested by racing driver Juan Manuel Fangio.[2] A version of the engine for use in motorsports competition was also developed, but the closure of DKW resulted in the termination of the project. [2]
Cicaré continues to be active in aviation design, recent work incluidng the Cicaré CH-10 and CH-11 ultralight helicopters, and the development of the Cicaré SVH-3 flight simulator, which was declared Argentina's national invention of the year in 1998.[2]
A 1987 design for a fuel injection pump for diesel engines resulted in Cicaré being awarded the Juan Manuel Fangio Prize, the highest award for Argentine inventors.[2]
In 1970, Cicaré was declared to be one of the ten most outstanding young men of Argentina, and in 1996 he was named as a Friend of the Argentine Air Force.[2] Cicaré also received an honourary Air and Space Engineer degree in 1997 from the Professional Council of Air and Space Engineering.[2]
In 1999, a roundabout in Saladillo, Argentina was named in Cicaré's honour.[2]