Foil: 7 Panel: 1 Column: 3 Line: 26

Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Friend

Honored by:

Fletcher J. Kolb graduated from California State Polytechnic College in San Luis Obispo, CA in 1957, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautical Engineering.
He began employment as Power Plant engineer with Douglas Aircraft Company in Sacramento, CA, where he prepared the test stands and engine systems for the hot fire testing of the THOR weapons system liquid rocket engineers. He directed the installation of the launch pad Propulsion systems and participated in the first operational launch of the THOR liquid rocket down the Pacific Missile Range from Vandenberg A.F.B., CA. He was acting Propulsion group engineer for the THOR launch pad preparations on Johnston Island for the 437 Project.
As a supervisor, Fletcher directed the Propulsion Engineering activities for the NASA and Air Force launch requirements at Vandenberg A.F.B. In 1967, the Douglas Aircraft Co. and the McDonnell Co. merged. For about three and one half years, Fletcher provided the Propulsion Engineering design support for the SPARTAN solid rocket production program. As the DELTA launch vehicle became the “workhorse” using the THOR as its first stage, Fletcher provided technical and administrative direction for DELTA First Stage Propulsion liquid systems analysis, design, production and launch support for Cape Canaveral, FL, and for Vandenberg A.F.B. Over a six year period, he also supported Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in the Japanese production and launch operations for their N1 rocket program. The Boeing Company procured the McDonnell Douglas Co. in 1997.
After almost 41 years in the “rocket business”, Fletcher retired in 1998.