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 boat launching device and a reaction propulsion device.

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 was successful but the project was abandoned because of the Depression.

In 1937 he founded Atlantic Casting and Engineering Corporation and retired in 1945.

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

• Curtiss-Bleecker SX-5-1 Helicopter

References

^{[1] [2] [3] [4] [5]}

1. ^ ^{a b} Air Line Pilots Association (1979), Air line pilot, Volume 48, Air Line Pilots' Association International, p. 58 
2. ^ Modern Mechanix Magazine, Sept. 1030 P.170
3. ^ Popular Science, Sept 1930 p. 20
4. ^ www.avistar.org
5. ^ Suburban Trends, November 30, 2009

Popular Science, Sept 1930 P. 20

Modern Mechanix Magazine, Sept. 1930, Pg. 170

The History of Helicopters

Time Magazine, Nov. 7 1927

Suburban Trends

Maitland B. Bleecker Patents