DE HEVILAND Geoffrey (De Havilland Geoffrey)

(1882-1965)
Born July 27, 1882 in Heyzlmire (Surrey). Aircraft started in 1909. In 1910 he built and successfully tested the first airplane, which was bought by the British Government. In the same year received a place designer and test pilot at one of the military plants. Built several puller, including biplane BS1, a prototype fighter will come soon. In 1914 he became chief designer at the company 'Erpleyn menyufekchuring', where created several series of planes DH, including the DH-4, widely used in the First World War. In 1920, founded the company 'De Heviland Aircraft', published by light two-seater series 'Maus' and high-speed twin-engine wooden 'Mosquito'.
In 1927 De Heviland began studying aircraft engines and has developed a series of reciprocating engines 'Gypsy'. During the Second World War his firm produced turbojet engines and fighter. In 1949, under his leadership created the first passenger turbojet 'Comet'.

De Heviland was elevated to the dignity of knighthood (1944) and was awarded the Order of Merit (1962). Died De Heviland in Watford (Hertfordshire County) May 21, 1965.