Edgar Schmued

Edgar Schmued
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Name	Edgar Schmued
Birth date	December 30, 1899
Birth place	Hamburg, German Empire
Death date	June 1, 1963
Death place	San Diego, California, United States
Occupation	Aeronautical engineer
Employer	North American Aviation
Known for	Designing the North American P-51 Mustang and North American F-86 Sabre

Edgar Schmued was a renowned aeronautical engineer who made significant contributions to the development of military aircraft during World War II and the Cold War. Born in Hamburg, German Empire, Schmued immigrated to the United States and worked for several prominent aircraft manufacturers, including North American Aviation and Bristol Aeroplane Company. His designs, such as the North American P-51 Mustang and North American F-86 Sabre, played a crucial role in the Allied victory and the Korean War. Schmued's work was influenced by notable figures like Wilhelm Messerschmitt, Ernst Heinkel, and Curtiss-Wright.

● Early Life and Education

Edgar Schmued was born on December 30, 1899, in Hamburg, German Empire, to a family of engineers and craftsmen. He developed an interest in aeronautics at a young age, inspired by the works of Otto Lilienthal and Octave Chanute. Schmued pursued his education at the Technische Hochschule in Berlin, where he studied mechanical engineering and aerodynamics under the guidance of Ludwig Prandtl and Johannes Junkers. After completing his studies, Schmued worked for several German aircraft manufacturers, including Focke-Wulf and Arado Flugzeugwerke, before immigrating to the United States in the late 1920s.

● Career

Schmued began his career in the United States at the Bristol Aeroplane Company, where he worked alongside notable engineers like Frank Barnwell and Henry Folland. In 1931, he joined North American Aviation, which would become his long-term employer. At North American Aviation, Schmued collaborated with James H. Kindelberger, John Leland Atwood, and Lee Atwood to design and develop several iconic aircraft, including the North American P-51 Mustang and North American F-86 Sabre. His work was also influenced by interactions with other prominent figures, such as Charles Lindbergh, Amelia Earhart, and Howard Hughes.

● Aircraft Designs

Edgar Schmued's most notable designs include the North American P-51 Mustang, which played a crucial role in the Allied victory during World War II, and the North American F-86 Sabre, which was used extensively during the Korean War. His designs were characterized by their innovative use of aerodynamics, materials science, and propulsion systems. Schmued's work on the P-51 Mustang was influenced by the Rolls-Royce Merlin engine and the Supermarine Spitfire, while his design of the F-86 Sabre was impacted by the General Electric J47 engine and the Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15. Other notable aircraft designed by Schmued include the North American B-25 Mitchell and the North American T-6 Texan.

● Legacy

Edgar Schmued's contributions to the development of military aircraft have had a lasting impact on the aerospace industry. His designs have been recognized for their innovative use of aerodynamics and materials science, and have influenced the work of other notable engineers, such as Kelly Johnson and Ben Rich. Schmued's legacy extends beyond his technical contributions, as he also played a significant role in shaping the North American Aviation company and its culture. His work has been recognized by several institutions, including the National Air and Space Museum, the Smithsonian Institution, and the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics.

● Personal Life

Edgar Schmued was a private individual who kept his personal life separate from his professional career. He was married to Margaret Schmued and had two children, Edgar Schmued Jr. and Margaret Schmued. Schmued was an avid aviation enthusiast and enjoyed flying and gliding in his free time. He was also a member of several professional organizations, including the Society of Automotive Engineers and the Institute of Aeronautical Sciences. Schmued passed away on June 1, 1963, in San Diego, California, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most influential aeronautical engineers of the 20th century. Category:Aeronautical engineers