biography
| name: |
Johnson, Clarence (Leonard)
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known as Kelly Johnson
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| sex:
| male
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| lived:
| (1910–90)
|
| biography:
| Aircraft designer, born in Ishpeming, Michigan, USA. He studied aeronautical engineering at the University of Michigan, and went to work for Lockheed Corporation in 1933. Beginning as a tool designer, he held positions as flight test engineer and stress analyst before becoming chief research engineer in 1938. He was involved in designing over 40 aircraft, including the U-2 high-altitude reconnaissance plane, the F-104 Starfighter, and the P-38 Lightning plane, used during World War 2. During his years at Lockheed he was best known for his leadership of the ‘Skunk Works’, the company's advanced development unit. Awarded the Medal of Freedom in 1964, he retired in 1975, but remained a senior adviser to Lockheed until his death. |
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