Henrich Focke's interest in aviation began at an early age, and by 1918 he had designed and built four powered airplanes and a glider. After service in World War I, Focke studied mechanical engineering at the Hanover Technical Academy, graduating in 1920. Along with Georg Wulf, he formed the Focke-Wulf Aircraft Company in 1923, and as technical director, designed a series of successful light transport planes. He also became a Professor of Aeronautics and, by 1931, became more interested in research than design and production. He resigned form Focke-Wulf in 1933 and formed his own aeronautical research laboratory. Turning his research efforts to helicopters, Dr. Focke perfected the world's first successful free flight helicopter by 1936. This twin-rotored FW-61 became the world's first helicopter to receive a certificate of airworthiness. He then formed the Fopcke-Achgelis Company which continued his helicopter development. The company's most successful aircraft was the FA-233, a large transport helicopter and the first helicopter to fly the English Channel. Dr. Focke's considerable research and design efforts subsequent to World War II, and throughout the rest of his life, contributed materially to the development of the helicopter and its continued useful role in aviation throughout the world.
Inducted in 1993.
Portrait Location: Hall of Fame Hallway