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Francis Rogallo

1912-01-27 – 2009-09-01

Portrait of Francis Rogallo
On June 26, 1959, then-Langley-research Francis Rogallo examined the Rogallo wing in the 7x10 FT Tunnel. Originally conceived as a means of bringing manned spacecraft to controlled, soft landings, Rogallo's concept was avidly embraced by later generations of hang-gliding enthusiasts. -- Photograph published in Winds of Change, 75th Anniversary NASA publication (page 18), by James Schultz.Credit: NASA Langley Research Center / NASA

Life & Legacy

Francis Melvin Rogallo (January 27, 1912 – September 1, 2009) was an American aeronautical engineer inventor born in Sanger, California, U.S. Together with his wife, he is credited with the invention of the Rogallo wing, or "flexible wing", a precursor to the modern hang glider and paraglider. His patents were ranged over mechanical utility patents and ornamental design patents for wing controls, airfoils, target kite, flexible wing, and advanced configurations for flexible wing vehicles.

Occupation & Career

military flight engineer, inventor, engineer

Accomplishments, Inventions & Publications

North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame

Legacy Highlights

Honors & Awards

North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame

Verified Legacy Record

Sources & Provenance

  1. Wikidata population candidate Q1441723 — wikidata View source

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