Agnew E. Larsen

Agnew Emiel Larsen

A PA-5 Mailwing designed by Larsen
Born April 3, 1897
Died August 17, 1969
Philadelphia
Cause of death Cancer
Residence Jenkintown, Pennsylvania
Citizenship American
Occupation Aircraft Engineer
Employer Pitcairn Aircraft Company
Known for Pitcairn Biplane and Autogiro Designs
Spouse(s) Mae
Children Frederick, Adrienne, William

Agnew Emiel Larsen (April 3, 1897 – August 17, 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.[1] Larson invented an inflatable gyrocopter parachute that was featured in Popular Mechanics.[2]

Biography

He was born on April 3, 1897.

In 1916 Harold Pitcairn attended an apprenticeship at Curtiss Aeroplane and Motor Company, becoming friends with Larsen.

In 1925 Larsen and Pitcairn approached Cierva about licensing autogiro technology.

In 1927, longtime friend, Pitcairn approached Larsen to leave the Thomas-Morse Aircraft company, to join Pitcairn Aircraft Company as chief engineer.[3] Larson developed the Pitcairn PA-1 Fleetwing, the first of a long series of biplanes for Pitcairn.[4]

In 1930 Larsen won the Collier Trophy along with Pitcairn for the work on autogiro technology.

1947 Larsen merges his company rotawings with the Glenn L. Martin Company.

Larsen died from cancer in August 17, 1969 in Jenkintown, Pennsylvania.[1]

Legacy

Greg Larsen, 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]

References

  1. 1 2 "Agnew E. Larsen, Inventor, 73, Dies. Won '30 Collier Trophy for Work on the Autogiro". New York Times. August 17, 1969. Agnew E. Larsen, a consultant on space research with the Frankford Arsenal in Philadelphia, died of cancer today at the Homestead Nursing Home in Willow ...
  2. ↑ "The inflatable Rotochute". Popular Mechanics. August 1968.
  3. ↑ Donald M. Pattillo. A history in the making: 80 turbulent years in the American general aviation ...
  4. ↑ William F. Trimble. High frontier: a history of aeronautics in Pennsylvania.
  5. ↑ "Larsen's Legacy". Archived from the original on 13 December 2010. Retrieved 23 January 2011.
This article is issued from Wikipedia - version of the Saturday, October 25, 2014. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike but additional terms may apply for the media files.