Edward Henry Heinemann

Ed Heinemann was an unassuming self taught engineer. He was responsible for the design of the Dauntless dive bomber used with great success at the Battle of Midway.

Source: Wikipedia December 29, 2020.

Heinemann was born in Saginaw, Michigan, but moved to California as a boy and was raised in Los Angeles. A self-taught engineer, he joined Douglas Aircraft as a draftsman in 1926, but was laid off within a year. After stints at International Aircraft, Moreland Aircraft, and the first Northrop Corporation, Heinemann rejoined Douglas after it acquired Northrop. Heinemann became Douglas's Chief Engineer in 1936. He remained with the company through 1960, when he left to join Guidance Technology. In 1962 he joined General Dynamics as Corporate Vice President of Engineering. In this position he oversaw the development of the F-16. He retired in 1973.

The famed airplane designer Burt Rutan would list Heinemann as among the leading pioneers in aviation who had inspired him to become an aerospace engineer.

His approach to aircraft design was uncomplicated, once saying that he simply took the most powerful engine available and designed the aircraft around it.

Among many aircraft he designed the Dauntless Dive Bomber used in World War II, famed for Battle of Midway success.

Edward Henry Heinemann FamilySearch Family Tree Birth: Mar 14 1908 - Saginaw, Michigan, United States Death: Nov 26 1991 - Rancho Santa Fe, San Diego, California, United States Death: Nov 27 1991 - San Diego, California, United States Parents: Gustave C Heineman, Margaret Heineman (born Schust) Spouses: Lillian M. Heinemann (born Littlejohn), Zell Shewey Children: Jean Katherine Heinemann, Yorla Joan Heinemann Sister: S Helen Heineman