Kelly Johnson.
documentedsource_actorPrivate Aerospace Contractors
Founder of Skunk Works (1943); designed 40+ aircraft incl. P-38, U-2, SR-71. Pioneered stealth shaping and titanium airframes.
Clarence 'Kelly' Johnson (1910-1990) was Lockheed's legendary chief engineer and creator of the Advanced Development Projects organization. Built the XP-80 in 143 days, the U-2 spy plane, and the Mach-3 SR-71 Blackbird. Two-time Collier Trophy winner; National Academy of Sciences member. Entirely documented aviation history.