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Benjamin Odell Howard

American aviator and aeronautical engineer (1904–1970)

Benjamin Odell Howard (February 4, 1904 – December 4, 1970), was an American aviator and aeronautical engineer, whose aircraft won the Bendix Trophy and the Thompson Trophy in 1935.2

From Wikipedia’s article on Benjamin Odell Howard (this version), CC BY-SA 4.0.

Born Feb 4, 1904, died Dec 4, 1970.1

Companies

Career

Occupation: military flight engineer, aircraft pilot.4

The first Douglas DC-3 aircraft were ordered by American Airlines (1935) and powered by Wright Cyclone engines. Soon after, United Air Lines ordered the DC-3, but specified Pratt & Whitney Twin Wasp engines. Benny Howard was dispatched to Douglas to oversee the installation of the new engine. His career at Douglas continued for many years, including piloting the initial tests of the DC-4E, A-26 Invader, DC-6, and Fairchild C-82 Packet aircraft. He also served as test pilot on the Budd RB-1 Conestoga and other aircraft. He was elected an Honorary Fellow of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots.

Using knowledge gained from his racing days, he developed the Howard Optimizer Kit for the DC-3, and at the end of his career was doing low-speed wind tunnel tests for the Carroll Shelby Cobra racecar. Howard died in Los Angeles Friday, Dec. 4, 1970. Pioneer airplane builder Donald Douglas Sr. delivered his eulogy.

From Wikipedia’s article on Benjamin Odell Howard (this version), CC BY-SA 4.0.

Personal life

  • CitizenshipUnited States5

Sources

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