Kenneth Wernicke
American aerospace engineer (1932–2022)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Kenneth Gene Wernicke (October 12, 1932 – September 1, 2022) was an American aerospace engineer. He had a leading role in the development of the tilt rotor aircraft Bell XV-3, Bell XV-15 and V-22 Osprey.
Fonda Fox
Natalie AldridgeKenneth Wernicke | |
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| Born | October 12, 1932 Missouri, U.S. |
| Died | September 1, 2022 (aged 89) Bedford, Texas, U.S. |
| Occupation | Aerospace Engineer |
| Children | Keith Wernicke
Fonda Fox Natalie Aldridge |
Life and career
Ken Wernicke had a BS and MS in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Kansas.[1]
From 1955 to 1990 he was an engineer at Bell Helicopter,[1] and worked as a leading engineer with Bob Lichten from 1964 on the tilt rotor technology.[2][3][4]
Along with his twin brother Rod, (who was also a Bell engineer) his son Keith and Rod's sons Tim and Kent, he was developing a rubber tracked amphibious vehicle after the US Navy requested concepts for a scout vehicle that could travel on water at high speed and proceed with all terrain capability for reconnaissance on land.[5][6] He held several patents related to flying and tracks.[7]
Wernicke was an advisory board member of rotorcraft company Carter Aviation Technologies.[citation needed]
Wernicke died in Bedford, Texas, on September 1, 2022, at the age of 89.[8]
Awards
Wernicke has received the Paul E. Haueter Memorial Award (American Helicopter Society) in 1978,[9] and the Aircraft Design Award (AIAA) in 1983.[3]