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What made Kelly Johnson such a successful airplane designer?

Published Online: July 26, 2010 
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 Aviation History Reader Poll

Lockheed designer Clarence L. "Kelly" Johnson was responsible for some of the most innovative airplanes ever produced. What do you think accounts for his phenomenal success?

Give us your thoughts in the comments box below.


3 Responses to “What made Kelly Johnson such a successful airplane designer?”


  1. 1
    Trimblephil says:

    What amazes me about the design team at the "Skunk Works" didn't have computers and other technologies we have today. Yet they were able to design and build innovative aircraft with advanced technology and were able to do it in a remarkably short time. I wonder if such men and women exist today?

  2. 2
    DALE BRANSON says:

    Sirs: I think that Kelly was a genius in his on right, but was smart enough to surround himself with very intelligent and free thinking engineers. Together thay made a team unmatched in building the ultimate planes. Though he made many enemies in the pentagon he still would not let them dictate to him. This in turn kept all the egg heads like McNamara away from him. Very few men are as he was, strong willed and refused to be cowed by power and money. Thanks

  3. 3
    Robin says:

    STYLE !!!!
    The Steve Jobs of the aerospace industry.



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