Founder Of Aircraft Designs Inc. In California

Martin Hollmann, who spent a career as an engineer and designer in the aerospace industry, passed away October 12th after a three-year battle with cancer. He was 72.

Hollmann was a native of Berlin, Germany. He came with his parents to the United States in 1947 under the auspices of Operation Paperclip, an OSS program to bring scientists from Nazi Germany to the U.S.

An obituary posted on the website RememberingCA.us indicates that Hollmann earned a BA in aeronautical operation and a masters degree in mechanical engineering. He designed high-tech components for such companies as Lockheed, Martin Marietta, and Convair Aerospace. The parts he designed were used in aircraft ranging from airplanes to cruise missiles.

In 1976, Hollmann founded the Aircraft Designs company in Monterey, CA. A two-seat gyroplane designed by Hollmann is on display at the Hiller Aviation Museum in San Carlos, CA. His carbon and fibreglass six-place airplane the Stallion cruises a 235 miles per hour, and the website says it has a range of 2,500 statute miles ... or enough to fly non-stop across the country.

Hollmann was a self-published author of several books on aircraft design. He was a past FAA Consultant and Designated Engineering Representative, and taught classes in aircraft design to assist in flutter research. He was diagnosed with terminal cancer three years ago. He is survived by his wife Rita, two sons, and two sisters.

FMI: http://aircraftdesigns.com/