Igor Bensen
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Igor Vasilevich Bensen (Russian: И́горь Васи́льевич Бенсен; April 1, 1917 – February 10, 2000) was a Russian-American engineer. He founded Bensen Aircraft, a US company which produced a successful line of gyrogliders (rotor kites) and autogyros.
Early life and education
[edit]He was born in Rostov-on-Don, Russia, and eventually reached the United States in 1937. He began studies at age 17 while in Belgium, won a scholarship to study in the US three years later. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, New Jersey in 1940, later becoming a Registered Professional Engineer.
Career
[edit]Bensen flew his first towed gyroglider in 1954.[1] He founded the Popular Rotorcraft Association (PRA)[2] in 1962, a non-profit interest group for owners and homebuilders of autogyros and helicopters, based in Mentone, Indiana. He was the group's president[3] from 1962 to 1971.
Honors and awards
[edit]He received an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from Indiana University in 1968.[4]
Personal life and death
[edit]Bensen died from Parkinson's disease at age 82.[4]
References
[edit]- ^ Francis, Devon (July 1954). "He Rides a Kite". Popular Science. p. 98 – via Google Books.
- ^ "Gyroplanes Gyrocopters and Autogyros: Aviation's best kept Secret" (PDF). pra.org. Popular Rotorcraft Association. Retrieved July 24, 2018.
- ^ Palmer, Alex (November 7, 1971). "Gyrocopter Popularity Soaring". The New York Times. Retrieved July 24, 2018.
- ^ a b Farnham, Alan (May 29, 2000). "Dr. Bensen's Magnificent Flying Machine". Forbes. Retrieved July 24, 2018.
External links
[edit]- Biography of Igor Bensen at gyroplanepassion.com
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