Maitland B. Bleecker
(Jan 25th 1903 - Oct. 19th 2002 ) American inventor and author who was instrumental in modern helicopter design.[1]. Bleecker also holds a number of other patents, including one for a boat launching device and another for a reaction propulsion device. [p] Bleecker graduated from University of Michigan in 1924 and secured a position with National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics at Langley Field, VA. He then joined Curtiss Aeroplane Division where he developed and constructed a prototype helicopter known as the Curtiss-Bleecker SX-5-1 at Garden City, NY. This helicopter flew successfully but the project was abandoned because of The Great Depression. [p] In 1937 he founded Atlantic Casting and Engineering Corporation and retired in 1945. [p] Upon his retirement he purchased 1,500 acres of land near West Milford,N.J. where he constructed Lake Sonoma, started a trout hatchery and operated the Tapawingo Fishing Preserve. This area is now a part of Norvin Green State Forest.
See also
References
Popular Science, Sept 1930 P. 20