Walter Jamouneau

Walter Jamouneau (born September 21, 1912 in New Jersey , † September 13, 1988 in Pennsylvania ) was an American aerospace engineer and played a key role in the development of the Piper J-3 . The J-3 is one of the most important aircraft in aviation history because it played a similar role in aviation as the Ford Model T played a role in the spread of the automobile.

Life

Walter Jamouneau joined the US aircraft manufacturer Taylor Aircraft Company in 1931 after completing his studies . William T. Piper, who at the time had financial control of the Taylor Aircraft Corporation, entrusted Walter Jamouneau with the revision of the Taylor E-2 in 1935 , which could not be implemented due to numerous problems. Since, in Piper's opinion, the E-2 was too complex and therefore too expensive for mass production, Jamouneau developed the Taylor J-2 on this basis , which Piper was named Piper J-3 from 1938 onwardswas offered. The J-3 had improved aerodynamics, a more powerful engine, a widened landing gear with a steerable tail wheel and seats in tandem arrangement. From 1938 to 1947, 14,125 copies were made at Piper. The letter "J" in the project name did not stand for the name "Jamouneau", as is often rumored, but was the next variant name in the Taylor sequence after "H" and the omission of "I" due to the risk of confusion. Around 9,000 of the successor model Piper PA-18 Super Cub were built.

Jamouneau became a member of the board of directors of Piper Aircraft after this success and spent the rest of his working life with the company.

literature

• Roger E. Bilstein: Flight in America: From the Wrights to the Astronauts. JHU Press 2001, ISBN 0-801-86685-5 .

Web links

• Piper J-3 story on the Virginia Aviation Museum website