Frederick Handley-Page studied at City and Guilds of London Engineering College. After finishing his technical training, he worked in the field of electrical engineering. Turning to the study of flight, in 1909 he founded the first English company devoted solely to aviation, Handley Page, Ltd. Handley-Page's design brilliance was manifested in the 0/400 twin-engine heavy bomber which flew in 1918. Capable of carrying 1,800 pounds of bombs, this was one of the largest planes used in World War I. He then designed the V-1500, a four-engine bomber which provided an astonishing bomb load of 6-1/2 tons and an endurance of 12 hours. The war ended before this bomber could be used. Recognizing the long-range transport value of large aircraft, Handley-Page founded Handley Page Transport, Ltd. in 1919, and opened routes to Paris and Amsterdam. This company later became Imperial Airways. During World War II, the Handley-Page Hampden and Halifax bombers played major roles in the reduction of German industry and the eventual economic collapse of the Third Reich. As England moved into the nuclear delivery role after World War II, Handley-Page was again at the forefront of technology with his Victor four-jet bomber. From 1909 until his death, 63 different aircraft types bore his name. These, along with a broad variety of technical innovations, contributed immeasurably to the rapid development of the British aviation and aerospace industry. Frederick Handley-Page is also recognized as an educator, advocating the value of sound technical training as the foundation for industrial success.
Inducted in 1987.
Portrait Location: Hall of Fame Hallway