AB (Abner) Willson P.E.

Foil: 7 Panel: 1 Column: 1 Line: 90

Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Friend

Honored by:

- University of Kansas.
- Built radios for Signal Corps/Air Corps.
- Army Air Corps 1stLt.
- Researched aircraft radio communications.
- Private Pilot (& owner). "Barnstormed" with Gates & Flying Horseshoe.
- Owned and operated a commercial radio station.
- General Manager Majestic Radio Co for Western States.
- Boeing Vibration Lab Engineering Manager -- pioneered use of "strain gauges" and tape recorders to capture test data.
- Invented and built the original "Shaker Pot" test equipment including a high power control unit for varying frequency and amplitude testing. His work suggested adding dorsal fins to B-17s and B-29s; also added to jet safety.
- Boeing Research Engineering -- researched problems of space flight.