Description
Materials related to the life and career of Bernhard Hohmann, a German aircraft engineer, test pilot, and space program director
who emigrated to the United States after World War II and worked in the aviation and aerospace industry. Materials date from
his time in Germany encompassing 1933 to 1946, through his work with the United States space program from 1956 to 1970.
Background
Bernhard Hohmann was born in Germany in 1916. He was a glider pilot and engineer, and joined the Luftwaffe as a test pilot
during World War II. Hohmann was stationed at the Peenemünde Army Research Center where he made test flights of the Messerschmitt
Me 163 Komet, a rocket powered fighter aircraft. After the war, Hohmann surrendered to Allied forces and by 1947 was working
at Wright Field, now Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, near Dayton, Ohio. Hohmann became Chief of the Flight Development section
before leaving in 1957 to take a job with the Aerospace Corporation, in El Segundo, California. Hohmann worked extensively
with the Mercury and Gemini space programs, particularly on astronaut flight safety. Hohmann was married to Irmgard Kaufmann
Hohmann, who joined him in the United States while he was at Wright Field. The Hohmanns lived in Pacific Palisades, California,
and had no children. Bernhard Hohmann died in 1984.
Extent
13.3 Linear Feet
(7 boxes and 2 tubes)
Restrictions
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Availability
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