Charles A. Barnett

United States of America

 

Charles A. Barnett, a design specialist in advanced helicopter projects at the Lockheed Company in Van Nuys, California since 1965, had been active in the rotary wing aircraft field for more than 20 years—dating back to the early helicopters flying during World War II.

As vice president and chief engineer of the Kellett Aircraft Corp., with whom he was associated from 1944 to 1955, Barnett was responsible for all research and testing on the firm's new helicopter concepts.  He was later with Fletcher Aviation, Boeing's Vertol division, and Republic Aviation. He designed a number of helicopters and convertiplanes and conducted the flight test investigation of an experimental compound (winged) helicopter in the early 1950s.

Barnett held both a commercial pilot and an instructor pilot rating.  He was credited with more than 1500 flying hours.

Charles A. Barnett, a veteran helicopter designer, died in a crash of his light private aircraft north of Los Angeles.  He was 53.

Obituary (pg-36) : VERTIFLITE January 1967