Background
Upson, Ralph Hazlett was born on June 21, 1888 in New York, New York, United States. Son of William F. and Grace (Hazlett) Upson.
Upson, Ralph Hazlett was born on June 21, 1888 in New York, New York, United States. Son of William F. and Grace (Hazlett) Upson.
Mechanical Engineering, Stevens Institute Technology, 1910, honorary Aeronaut.
Research in aerodynamics and airship engineering, 1908-1912. Won International Balloon Race, 1913. Won American national balloon race, 1913, 19, 21.
Chief engineer aeronautical department Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, 1914-1920, producing most of the American balloons and airships used during World War I. Flew first United States Navy coast patrol airship, Chicago to Akron, in demonstration flight, 1917.
Representative United States Navy design mission in Europe, 1918-1919. Chairman lighter-than-air division Aeronautical Safety Code communications of bureau of Standards, 1922-1924.
Chief engineer Aircraft Development Corporation, 1922-1927. Designer ZMC-2, first successful metal-clad airship, 1929.
Engaged in airplane development with Aeromarine-Klemm Corporation, and other companies, 1928-1942.
Chief aeronautical engineer with H. J. Heinz Company, 1942-1944. Applied aircraft design methods to other vehicles, including pioneer streamlined train of Union Pacific Railroad, 1933. Research specialist and lecturer, New York University, 1944-1946.
Professor aero engineering University Minnesota, 1946-1956, professor emeritus, 1956-1968.
Research specialist Aerospace division Boeing Company, 1956-1964.
Fellow American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Royal Aeronautical Society (Great Britain). Member of Society Automotive Engineers Company-Author: Free and Captive Balloons.
Married Frances Talbot Allen, May 19, 1915. Children: Frank Allen, Julia Ann, Nancy, Brent Talbot.