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Aviation Legend: Lee Atwood 1904 - 1999

Lee Atwood, Aerospace Legend (4 of 4)

F-86 Sabre
The F-86 Sabre Jet achieved a 10-to-1 kill ratio against the MiG-15 during the Korean War.

Referring to the incorporation of a swept-wing into the XP-86 Sabre Jet design, Atwood stressed, "I was very anxious to have good 'momentum recovery' and pushed very hard for a through-intake. The swept-wing had a structural weight penalty but it was worth it when we saw the data -- it produced a maximum delay in sonic-shock drag. We did what Boeing did -- they adopted a swept-wing to their B-47 design. We had a contract with the Air Force for a straight-wing XP-86 and we got them to agree to the change," Atwood said.

And as history recorded, the F-86 Sabre Jet emerged to become a true classic, as did the Navy and Marine FJ Fury versions.

In a statement that might surprise some aviation historians, Atwood downplayed the significance of the "compression lift" (ability to ride its own shockwave) phenomenon on the XB-70, and credited the intake design which allowed the engines to operate as ramjets at altitude.

XB-70 Valkyrie
Capable of flying at Mach 3 plus (2,000 mph +) at 70,000 feet, the XB-70 Valkyrie would have been virtually unstoppable as a bomber weapons system.
"On the XB-70 we were getting 6,000 miles range at Mach 3, and we got better fuel consumption the faster we went as a result of the 'momentum recovery.' The only limiting factor was the heat generated on the airplane's skin. 'Compression lift' was like the laminar flow wing on the Mustang -- it was there, but did little."

Discussing the recent acquisitions and mergers, Atwood stated, "It seems to me that Boeing is a very good home for the Rockwell people. It's a combination that seemed inevitable. There isn't enough defense work and you need depth in so many technologies -- altogether I can't see anything unhealthy about it."

On the subject of the Boeing and McDonnell Douglas merger, Atwood continued. "Boeing seems to have a broad-gauge management and, as far as I can tell, they are as fair to the acquisition people as they are to their own. And I think the distinction will be gone very soon, the way they're working. I'm pretty happy about it."

Return to Lee Atwood, Aerospace Legend (1 of 4)