Kelly
Kelly
Clarence L. Johnson
Paul Graham
How did I not know about this book til now? - Paul Graham
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Kelly

Kelly: More Than My Share of It All

Clarence L. Johnson
By
Clarence L. Johnson
4.2
804
ratings on Goodreads

In the annals of American aerospace, few names shine as brightly as Clarence L. "Kelly" Johnson. His genius paved the skies with innovations that stretched the boundaries of imagination and engineering. "Kelly" is not just a biography but a thrilling journey through the life of a man who stood at the helm of Lockheed's Skunk Works, an enigmatic division that produced the crown jewels of American aviation. From the lightning-fast P-38 to the iconic silhouette of the Constellation, Johnson’s designs were both beautiful and deadly. Yet, it is his work on the clandestine U-2 and the awe-inspiring SR-71 Blackbird that truly secured his legacy, aircraft that redefined the limits of speed and stealth, and in doing so, redefined the nature of modern warfare and espionage. This book is more than a tale of aerospace innovation; it is a story of relentless ambition, visionary leadership, and the unyielding pursuit of excellence. Johnson's life is a testament to the power of American ingenuity and serves as an inspiration to anyone who dreams of touching the sky. Through meticulous research and captivating storytelling, "Kelly" invites readers into the secretive world of the Skunk Works and the mind of a man who became a legend in his own time. It's a must-read for aviation enthusiasts, history buffs, and anyone fascinated by the intersection of creativity and technical brilliance.

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Released
1985
1 Jan
Length
224
Pages

1

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recommendation

How did I not know about this book til now? - Paul Graham
And because I had the latest advanced mathematical training, I was given the job of analyzing the retractable landing gear for Jimmy Doolittle’s Lockheed Orion 9-D, a modification of the basic Orion. That was my first contact with any of the famous early aviators who would frequent the Lockheed plant. Others included Amelia Earhart, Wiley Post, Sir Charles Kingsford-Smith, and Roscoe Turner. Doolittle, of course, was an early record-setting pilot, both military and civilian, with a master’s degree and doctorate in science from M.I.T. Then he was flying for Shell Oil Company, landing in out-of-the-way fields, cow pastures, and other unprepared strips.
— Clarence L. Johnson, Kelly

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