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Sherman FairchildAmerican inventor and industrialist.
Date of Birth: 07.04.1896
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Contributions to Aerial Photography
- Founding of Fairchild Aviation Enterprises
- Aircraft Innovation and Design
- Additional Contributions
- Leadership and Legacy
Early Life and Education
Sherman Fairchild was born on April 7, 1896, in Oneonta, New York. He pursued his education at the University of Arizona, Columbia University, and Harvard University.
Contributions to Aerial Photography
Fairchild's interest in aerial photography led to important inventions in 1918. He devised a film transport mechanism with intermittent motion for aerial cameras and a shutter with a curtain between lens elements. Both innovations were approved by the War Department for use in aerial photography.
Founding of Fairchild Aviation Enterprises
In 1922, Fairchild established the Fairchild Camera Corporation to manufacture aerial cameras. Two years later, he founded the Fairchild Aerial Surveys Company. His company received an order from Igor Sikorsky for his first aircraft.
Aircraft Innovation and Design
By 1925, Fairchild had founded his own aircraft manufacturing company, which produced the first American airplane with an enclosed cockpit and retractable landing gear. The company specialized in building aircraft for aerial photography, business, and private use.
Additional Contributions
Fairchild's innovations extended beyond aircraft design. He created a low-wing monoplane trainer aircraft, developed air-cooled radial aircraft engines, pioneered processes for manufacturing plastics in aircraft construction, and invented various accessories for aerial cameras and other precision devices.
Leadership and Legacy
Sherman Fairchild served as chairman of the board of Fairchild Camera and Equipment Corporation and the Fairchild-Hiller Corporation. His contributions to aviation and photography had a lasting impact on the industry. He passed away in New York City on March 28, 1971.
