Skip to main content

Becker, John Vernon, 1913-

 Person

Dates

  • Existence: 1913-

Biographical Note

Aerospace engineer, specialist in hypersonic and reentry aerodynamics and a pioneer in the development of hypersonic research aircraft such as the X-15. Received B.S. (1935, mechanical engineering) and M.S. (1936, aeronautical engineering) degrees from New York University. Joined the Langley Aeronautical Laboratory of the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) as a research engineer in 1936. Head of the 16-ft. Wind Tunnel Branch (1943-1947), chief of the Compressibility Research Division (1947-1957), and chief of the Aero-Physics Research Division (1958-1974) at NACA and NASA-Langley; retired from NASA in 1974. Elected a fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. Author of The High-Speed Frontier: Case Histories of Four NACA Programs, 1920-1950 (Washington, DC: NASA, 1980).

Found in 3 Collections and/or Records:

John V. Becker Papers

 Collection
Identifier: Ms-1990-052
Abstract

Papers include correspondence, notes, memoranda and other materials related to NACA and NASA programs with which Becker was associated, including the X-1, X-15, X-20 (or Dyna-Soar) programs; research files for The High-Speed Frontier; transcripts of oral history interviews; and copies of publications and lectures by Becker, created between 1936 and 1980.

Dates: 1936-1980, n.d.

Blake W. Corson, Jr., Papers

 Collection
Identifier: Ms-1990-055
Abstract

The Blake W. Corson, Jr., Papers are comprised of professional and personal files, correspondence, and published materials from 1861-1984 (bulk, 1934-1979), primarily relating to his career as an engineer at NASA Langley.

Dates: 1861 - 1984; Majority of material found within 1934 - 1979

Moffett Field Tunnel Propellers-- Calculations/Figures/Graphs/Photographs/Notes, 1942 - 1944

 File — Box 2, Folder: 23
Scope and Contents From the Sub-Series:

Materials from this sub-series are in Box 1 (folders listed below) and in oversize Folders 10-17.

Dates: 1942 - 1944