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Richard Travis Whitcomb Edit Profile

aeronautical consultant

Richard Travis Whitcomb, American Aeronautical consultant. Recipient Collier Trophy National Aero. Association, 1955, National Medal for Science Office of the President United States, 1973, Wright Brothers Trophy National Aero. Association,1974. Fellow American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (honorary, Reed award, 1969); member National Academy Engineering.

Background

Whitcomb, Richard Travis was born on February 21, 1921 in Evanston, Illinois, United States. Son of Kenneth Frederick and Gladys (Travis) Whitcomb.

Education

Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, 1943. Doctor of Engineering (honorary), Worcester Polytechnic Institute, 1956. Doctor of Science (honorary), Old Dominion University, 1985.

Career

Aero. research scientist, Langley Research Center National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Hampton, Virginia, 1943-1958; head transonic aerodynamics branch, Langley Research Center National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Hampton, Virginia, 1958-1980; distinguished research associate, Langley Research Center National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Hampton, Virginia, since 1980; private practice aero consultant, Hampton, since 1980.

Achievements

  • Richard Travis Whitcomb has been listed as a noteworthy Aeronautical consultant by Marquis Who's Who.

Membership

Fellow: American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (honorary Reed award 1969, Daniel Guggenheim medal 2002). Member: National Academy of Engineering.

Interests

  • Avocations: music, reading, exercising.

Connections

Father:
Kenneth Frederick Whitcomb

Mother:
Gladys (Travis) Whitcomb

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Education

Career

Awards

  • Named to National Inventors Hall of Fame, 2003. Recipient Collier Trophy, National Aeronautical Association, 1955, Wright Brothers trophy, 1974, National Medal of Science, The White House, 1973, Award in Aeronautical Engineering, National Academy of Sciences, 2000.