Clarence Leonard Johnson received a bachelor of science degree from the University of Michigan in 1932, and his masters degree in aeronautical engineering in 1933. While in college, he worked as a consultant on the aerodynamic design of automobiles for the annual Indianapolis 500 race. "Kelly" Johnson joined Lockheed Corporation in 1933 as a tool designer. After assignments as a flight test engineer, stress analyst, aerodynamicist, weight engineer, and wind tunnel engineer, he became chief research engineer in 1938. His original and creative thinking led to the development of many innovations in the aerospace industry. He contributed significantly to 40 different Lockheed airplane designs. Of these, 19 are some of the best known aircraft in the world and are primarily Johnson products. These aircraft include the Hudson Bomber, the Constellation and Super-Constellation transports, the P-38 fighter, the T-33 trainer, the F-94 interceptor and the Jetstar. The first United States production jet, the F -80 Shooting Star which made its initial flight in 1944, set a pattern for Johnson and his co-workers. Managing Lockheed's Advanced Development Projects Division (the "Skunk Works"), he developed the first double-sonic U.S. jet, the F-104 Starfighter, the high flying U-2 spyplane, and the superfast Mach 3 SR-71. In 1975, he retired as senior vice president of Lockheed. Among his many awards are two Collier trophies, two Theodore Von Karman awards, and the National Medal of Science. He has also been awarded the Medal of Freedom for his "significant contributions to the quality of American life" in the advancement of aeronautics. His genius in the design and production of state-of-the-art aircraft is legendary.
Inducted in 1965.
Portrait Location: Modern Jet