Horace E. Weihmiller Collection

Scope and Content

This collection consists of correspondence, notes and reports dealing with Weihmiller's activities in the AAS from 1957 thru 1963.

Arrangement

The materials are arranged in chronological order.

Biographical/Historical note

Horace E. Weihmiller (1902-1963) was a professional aerospace consultant and pilot. Following his graduation from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (BSE, 1925) he served briefly in the Army Air Corps (1926), receiving his wings at Brooks Field, Texas. He joined the Travel Air Corp and served as Chief Engineer from 1927 to 1928. Weihmiller then became the President and General Manager of the Corman Aircraft Company from 1928 to 1931. He later joined the Ford Motor Company, Airplane Division as an Aeronautical Engineer from 1931 to 1933. Weihmiller went on to work for the Consolidated Aircraft Corporation from 1933 to 1937 and Vice President from 1937 to 1943. In 1943 he formed a scientific and aircraft consulting service in Washington, D.C. and in 1945 was appointed by the Joint Chiefs of Staff to survey the German aircraft industry, receiving the Patriotic Civilian Service Certificate, the Army's highest civilian award. Weihmiller acted as consultant to the Air Policy Commission under President Truman and as administrative assistant to the Director of Science Research at Republic Aviation Corporation. During the 1950's he was an active member of the American Astronautical Society (AAS), serving as Vice President, Chairman of the Nominating Committee, Chairman of the New York section, Chairman of the National Affairs Committee and a member of the Scientific Research Committee.