orion
R.I.P.
Not everybody who contributes to aviation is well known but many often contribute much more than those we know of or read about. One such individual was a good friend of mine, Robert Gornstein, who I just learned unexpectedly passed away a few days ago.
I've known Robert for over 35 years, as a friend and mentor. In approaching design problems we didn't always see eye to eye as he worked at a very theoretical level while I tend to be more practical, but interestingly enough, we usually arrived at the same answer. He was one of the very few aero types I've known who's answers and predictions you cold take to the bank.
Robert's expertise encompassed many fields including those of aerodynamics, hydrodynamics and naval architecture, structures and even propulsion. That experience had enabled him to be the key designer behind many programs, some we know while others tend to be more obscure. If you've ever flown on a 727, a 737; rode on the Boeing Jetfoil or served on one of the Navy's hydrofoils, you know his work. If you've ever used any of the more modern CFD codes for aero or hydrodynamic modeling, you also have seen his work. Robert's touch and contribution was seen throughout our industry and his passing was just too soon.
I'll miss him, as will his family and any of those who knew him.
I've known Robert for over 35 years, as a friend and mentor. In approaching design problems we didn't always see eye to eye as he worked at a very theoretical level while I tend to be more practical, but interestingly enough, we usually arrived at the same answer. He was one of the very few aero types I've known who's answers and predictions you cold take to the bank.
Robert's expertise encompassed many fields including those of aerodynamics, hydrodynamics and naval architecture, structures and even propulsion. That experience had enabled him to be the key designer behind many programs, some we know while others tend to be more obscure. If you've ever flown on a 727, a 737; rode on the Boeing Jetfoil or served on one of the Navy's hydrofoils, you know his work. If you've ever used any of the more modern CFD codes for aero or hydrodynamic modeling, you also have seen his work. Robert's touch and contribution was seen throughout our industry and his passing was just too soon.
I'll miss him, as will his family and any of those who knew him.
