Former President Of McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Also Worked On SR-71

Jack Real, an engineer, test pilot and aviation pioneer, died Tuesday after a long illness. Real served as a member of the SCAA Board of Directors recipient of the prestigious Howard Hughes Memorial Award in 1990, Real was most instrumental in locating the Hughes Flying Boat "Spruce Goose" at Evergreen Museum where he served as Chairman Emeritus.

Real worked with many pioneers of aviation and industry giants, including Lockheed and McDonnell Douglas. While at Lockheed, he spent his time designing, developing and testing many aircraft including the B-14 Hudson Bomber, the XH-51, the Lockheed model 286 and model 475 and the Cheyenne Helicopter. In 1960 he became the chief of engineering flight test and was in charge of all flight test activities. Two years later he became chief engineer of research, development and testing.

"Jack's contributions and innovative designs helped pave the way for many modern aerospace developments," said SCAA President Nissen Davis. "He was a giant in our industry and will surely be missed," he added.

In 1964, Real worked on the SR-71 project with Kelly Johnson in the Skunk Works. In 1965 he became vice president and general manager for the AH-56A Cheyenne Helicopter. By 1968, he was responsible for all rotary wing programs at Lockheed. While at Lockheed, Real met Howard Hughes and an immediate relationship was formed.

From 1957 until Hughes' death in 1976, Real served as his personal advisor and most trusted confidant. Appointed by Hughes as senior vice president of aviation for Howard Hughes Corporation (formerly Hughes Tool Company), Real lived and traveled abroad with Hughes for several years, and became president of Hughes Helicopters, where he guided the AH-64 Apache Attack Helicopter program. Under Real's leadership, Hughes Helicopters received the Collier trophy in 1983, which he shared with Jack Marsh, U.S. Secretary of the Army.

In 1984, Real became President of McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Company, previously known as Hughes Helicopters, where he remained until his retirement in 1987. Real also wrote the critically acclaimed, "The Asylum of Howard Hughes," a definitive biography on the rumors and exaggerations surrounding Hughes' life, which was published in 2003.

Happy Landings, Jack.

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