Agnew E. Larson
Encyclopedia
Agnew E. Larson 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.
, 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. Larson developed the Pitcairn PA-1 Fleetwing
, the first of a long series of biplanes for Pitcairn.
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.
Larson died from cancer in August 1969 in
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.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
aircraft engineer
Aerospace engineering
Aerospace engineering is the primary branch of engineering concerned with the design, construction and science of aircraft and spacecraft. It is divided into two major and overlapping branches: aeronautical engineering and astronautical engineering...
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.
Early life
In 1916 Harold Pitcairn attended an apprenticeship at Curtiss Aeroplane and Motor CompanyCurtiss Aeroplane and Motor Company
Curtiss Aeroplane and Motor Company was an American aircraft manufacturer that went public in 1916 with Glenn Hammond Curtiss as president. Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, the company was the largest aircraft manufacturer in the United States...
, 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
Thomas-Morse Aircraft
The Thomas-Morse Aircraft Corporation was an American aircraft manufacturer, until it was taken over by the Consolidated Aircraft Corporation in 1929.Founded by English expatriates William T. and his brother Oliver W...
company, to join Pitcairn Aircraft Company
Pitcairn Aircraft Company
The Pitcairn Aircraft Company was an American aircraft manufacturer of light utility aircraft. An early proponent of the autogyro, the company, later known as the Autogyro Company of America among other names, would remain in business until 1948....
as chief engineer. Larson developed the Pitcairn PA-1 Fleetwing
Pitcairn PA-1 Fleetwing
-References:...
, the first of a long series of biplanes for Pitcairn.
In 1930 Larson won the Collier Trophy
Collier Trophy
The Collier Trophy is an annual aviation award administered by the U.S. National Aeronautics Association , presented to those who have made "the greatest achievement in aeronautics or astronautics in America, with respect to improving the performance, efficiency, and safety of air or space...
along with Pitcairn for the work on autogiro technology.
1947 Larson merges his company rotawings with the Glenn L. Martin Company
Glenn L. Martin Company
The Glenn L. Martin Company was an American aircraft and aerospace manufacturing company that was founded by the aviation pioneer Glenn L. Martin. The Martin Company produced many important aircraft for the defense of the United States and its allies, especially during World War II and the Cold War...
.
Larson invented an inflatable gyrocopter parachute that was featured in Popular Mechanics.
Larson died from cancer in August 1969 in
Greg Larson, Agnew E. Larson's grandson is a business development manager for the Hagerstown, MD, Regional Airport founding Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics
Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics
The Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics, known to the industries it serves as PIA, is located at the Allegheny County Airport just south of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. PIA offers Associate in Specialized Technology degrees in Aviation Maintenance Technology, Aviation Electronics Technology,...
school for aircraft technicians.