Rationale for Inclusion
- Co-Founder of Lockheed Corporation: Allan Lockheed, born Allan Loughead, co-founded the Lockheed Corporation (originally Loughead Aircraft Manufacturing Company) in 1912 with his brother, Malcolm. The company would go on to become one of the most important aerospace and defense corporations in the world. Under Allan’s leadership and vision, Lockheed played a significant role in the development of groundbreaking aircraft for both military and commercial use, establishing the company’s name as a symbol of aviation innovation and excellence.
- Pioneering Aircraft Design: Lockheed was directly involved in the design and development of several important aircraft during the early years of aviation. One of his first major successes was the Loughead F-1 Flying Boat in 1918, a twin-engine seaplane that broke records for its range and performance. This aircraft helped demonstrate the viability of long-distance flight over water and showcased the potential of large aircraft in both commercial and military applications. Allan’s role as an aircraft designer was crucial in advancing the capabilities of early aircraft and pushing the boundaries of what was possible in aviation.
- Innovative Commercial Aircraft Development: One of Lockheed’s most significant contributions to aviation was the development of the Lockheed Vega in 1927. The Vega, a sleek and fast single-engine plane, quickly became a favorite among record-setting pilots, including Amelia Earhart and Wiley Post. Earhart famously flew the Vega across the Atlantic, and Post used it for his around-the-world solo flight. The Vega’s design featured cutting-edge aerodynamics and engineering for its time, and its success helped solidify Lockheed’s reputation as a leading aircraft manufacturer in the commercial sector.
- Impact on the Commercial Airline Industry: Lockheed’s innovations had a profound impact on the development of commercial aviation. His aircraft designs, particularly the Lockheed Model 10 Electra, helped shape the future of commercial air travel. The Electra, introduced in the 1930s, was one of the first commercial airliners designed for long-distance, high-speed travel, and it became widely used by airlines around the world.
- Enduring Legacy in Aviation and Aerospace: Allan Lockheed’s legacy endures through the success of the company he co-founded, which has become one of the most influential aerospace and defense companies in the world. Lockheed’s pioneering aircraft designs, particularly the Vega and Electra, played a key role in the early development of commercial aviation, while the P-38 Lightning left a lasting mark on military aviation history. His contributions to both sectors of aviation have had a lasting impact, and the Lockheed name remains synonymous with innovation and excellence in aerospace.
Biography
- Early Life and Education: Allan Lockheed, originally born Allan Haines Loughead on January 20, 1889, in Niles, California. Lockheed displayed a keen interest in engineering and aviation, an industry that was just beginning to take off in the early 20th century. Without formal education in aviation, Lockheed’s mechanical aptitude led him to pursue hands-on learning, and his fascination with flight became the driving force of his career.
- Personal Life: Lockheed was deeply connected to his family, especially his brother Malcolm Loughead (later changed to Lockheed), with whom he shared his aviation ventures. Lockheed married and had two children. Allan changed his last name from Loughead to Lockheed in 1934 to make it easier to market the name.
- Early Career: Lockheed’s early career in aviation began in 1912, when he and his brother Malcolm established the Loughead Aircraft Manufacturing Company. Their early success came with the design of the Loughead Model G, a revolutionary seaplane that flew successfully but did not achieve commercial success. One of their notable achievements was the design and construction of the Loughead F-1 Flying Boat, which gained recognition for its performance during its transcontinental flights.
- In recognition of his service to aviation Lockheed received numerous awards and accolades, including:
- Induction into the National Aviation Hall of Fame (1986)