In Memoriam - Bob Widmer

Robert H. Widmer, who, among many accomplishments, created the design and engineering department at the then-Consolidated Aircraft Fort Worth Division in Texas, passed away 20 June 2011. His work resulted in production of the B-32, B-36, and B-58 bombers, F-111 and F-16 fighters, and RB-57 high altitude reconnaissance aircraft. Widmer was the first engineering team leader to completely integrate airframe, propulsion, and avionics into a single weapon system for the supersonic B-58 Hustler. He received a number of honors and awards, including the 1980 Sylvanus A. Reed Aeronautics Award for lifetime achievement from the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. He retired as the General Dynamics corporate vice president for science and technology in 1981 after a forty-two year career.