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Kelly cover art

Kelly

By: Clarence L. "Kelly" Johnson, Maggie Smith, Brig. Gen. Leo P. Geary USAF - ret. - foreword
Narrated by: Johnny Heller
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Summary

Clarence L. "Kelly" Johnson led the design of such crucial aircraft as the P-38 and Constellation, but he will be more remembered for the U-2 and SR-71 spy planes. His extraordinary leadership of the Lockheed "Skunk Works" cemented his reputation as a legendary figure in American aerospace management.

©1985 Smithsonian Institution (P)2019 Tantor

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For the engineering out there

Great listen, Great insight. The elusive skunk works somewhat unraveled, the engineering pitfalls and problem solving was impressive to hear.

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in the right place at the right time

dedicated to his work, I met a former worker many years ago who worked there back in 1987

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Very interesting but ......

Fascinating account, but the listener MUST take into account the occasional "American Chest-beating" and the historical truth "bending" here and there!
Example "No one has solved the issue of deep stalling with SST's. look at what happened to the Russian TU-144!"
Err .... what about Concorde???

there is an element of plainly misguided and overt patriotism running through this, but if you can ignore that it's a great account!

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Interesting; worth the time.

Interesting, and well told, but lacking detail. It reads a bit like a CV plus, having established credentials, and appeal to government for reform. Well worth the time, nonetheless.

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