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Charles Kaman
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Charles Huron Kaman (born 1919) is an American aeronautical engineer and philanthropist, known for his work in rotary-wing flight.
Kaman (pronounced "KUH-man") was born in Washington, D.C., the son of a construction supervisor. He later attended Catholic University of America, graduating magna cum laude in 1940. Kaman's first aircraft experience was working for Igor Sikorsky. In 1945, he started his own aircraft company, Kaman Aircraft, to pursue his own designs.
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Encyclopedia
Charles Huron Kaman (born 1919) is an American aeronautical engineer and philanthropist, known for his work in rotary-wing flight.
Kaman (pronounced "KUH-man") was born in Washington, D.C., the son of a construction supervisor. He later attended Catholic University of America, graduating magna cum laude in 1940. Kaman's first aircraft experience was working for Igor Sikorsky. In 1945, he started his own aircraft company, Kaman Aircraft, to pursue his own designs. In January 1947, the Kaman K-125 helicopter first flew. It utilized intermeshing rotors and Kaman's patented servo-flap stability control. In 1951, the Kaman K-225 also used intermeshing rotors with servo-flap control and was the world's first helicopter to be powered by a gas turbine.
Kaman's first love was the guitar, and in 1966, he founded Ovation Instruments. The company would become the Ovation Guitar Company and developed an acoustic guitar using aerospace materials, featuring a rounded back design. He and his wife Roberta also created the Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation and developed a breed of German Shepherd to act as guide dogs.
He has been awarded honorary degrees by the University of Connecticut, the University of Hartford, and the University of Colorado. His other honors include:
External links
: Rotor Control Mechanism for Aircraft of Rotary Wing Type
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