Benjamin S. Kelsey
Benjamin Scovill "Ben" Kelsey (March 9, 1906 – March 3, 1981) was an American aeronautical engineer and test pilot who brought success in World War II to the United States Army Air Forces by initiating the manufacture of innovative fighter aircraft designs, and by working to quickly increase American fighter production to meet the needs of the coming war.
Kelsey co-authored the technical specifications which led to the development of the P-39 Airacobra and the P-38 Lightning. He worked around Air Corps strictures to initiate the development of drop tanks for American fighters. Kelsey was the driving force behind a program of advanced airfoil research which eventually resulted in the P-51 Mustang.
After the war, Kelsey served in various staff assignments supervising weather operations, personnel and materiel. He was an important committee member of the group that approved and funded the rocket-powered North American X-15.
Read more about Benjamin S. Kelsey: Contents, Early Career, Fighter Development, Staff Roles, Personal Life, The Dragon's Teeth?, Recognition, Effective Dates of Promotion, See Also