1981 AAE Distinguished Engineering Alumnus

Richard H. Petersen

Deputy Director, National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Langley Research Center
BSAE ’56

Mr. Petersen is a leader in analytical and experimental aerodynamics with the Langley Research Center. In addition to his current managerial duties in research and development in aerospace technology, he has made fundamental contributions in the development of the Mercury Space Capsule, several missile systems, and B-70 aircraft. He planned and directed studies of the mission performance of air breathing launch vehicles, supersonic aircraft, hypersonic aircraft, and future civilian and military aircraft systems including STOL aircraft for short-haul transportation. He is widely known for his achievements in developing aircraft technology by integrating the disciplines of aerodynamics, internal flow, stability and control, and aeroelasticity.