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Isaac M. Laddon

Isaac Maclin Laddon received his education at McGill University, Montreal in 1915. His half-century career in aviation industry began in 1917 when he joined the U.S. Air Service Experimental and Engineering Test Center at McCook Field, Ohio. In the urgency of preparing the emerging U.S. air power for war, he learned his aviation trade quickly and well. In just two years, he became Chief of Design for all large aircraft development. Blessed with great inventiveness and the ability to apply his engineering knowledge to practice problem solution, "Mac" Laddon became patent holder on a great variety of aircraft systems, and on aerodynamic and structural innovations.

He joined the Consolidated Aircraft Company in 1927, as Chief Engineer and was assigned the task of placing the company solidly in the large bomber aircraft and flying boat field, a task he performed with eminent success. Among his designs were the Admiral Flying Boat of 1928, first in the series of famed Consolidated seaplanes, and the world renowned PBY Catalina. His B-24 Liberator was the most produced bomber in World War II and it played a dominant role in air operations, then came his B-36 Peacemaker. Finally, Laddon was responsible for the sleek Convair Liners that were known in commerce throughout the world. In all this, "Mac" Laddon was there, personally, for he felt the ultimate designer's responsibility; he flew with his own designs on every first flight.

Invested 1975 in the International Aerospace Hall of Fame

From "These We Honor," The International Hall of Fame; The San Diego Aerospace Museum, San Diego, CA. 1984

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Updated: February 23, 1999