On July 16, Dr. S. Harry Robertson will be inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame Enshrinee Class of 2011.
Robertson, who graduated with a B.S. from ASU in 1956 with a specialization in business administration and mechanical technology, is recognized as a pioneer of helicopter crash investigation and aerospace safety. He is the inventor of the Robertson Crashworthy Fuel System. Known as “Robbie Tanks,” the systems are used on virtually every U.S. combat helicopter as well as military ground vehicles, many police cars and even high-performance race cars.
In addition to flying for the U.S. Air Force, Robertson participated in many aircraft investigations. It was discovered that many crew fatalities were caused by post-impact fires. Robertson developed ballistic, self-sealing fuel cells that are credited with saving over 9,000 lives since their implementation in the 1970s.
After his career as an aviator, Robertson went on to found Robertson Aviation—now called Robertson Fuel Systems.
The NAHF currently has recognized with enshrinement the achievements of 207 men and women, including well-known names like the Wrights, Lindbergh, Earhart, Glenn and Armstrong. Robertson will be among four 2011 inductees.
For more on the 50th Annual Enshrinement Dinner & Ceremony: http://www.nationalaviation.org/2011-enshrinement/
