William Allen assumed the reigns of Boeing Aircraft Co. just after World War II, a difficult time for aircraft companies as they adjusted to peacetime production.
In the 75 years since Machine Design began publication, here are some of the people who have changed the way we live.
William Allen Aviation leader 1900-1985
Allen helped convert Boeing into a commercial airline company, prodding it to produce the 707, 727, 737, and finally, the 747, a series of jets that revolutionized the airline industry. Boeing kept its hand in military production as well, building the B-47, B-52, and KC-135 aircraft, the CH-47 and CH-46 helicopters, and the Bomarc and Minuteman missiles, under his leadership. Boeing also expanded into spacecraft while he was the CEO, developing the first state-of-the-art Apollo-Saturn V rocket and the Lunar Orbiter spaceship.
