Joseph F. Sutter, considered within the aviation industry as the pioneering engineer who led the development of the Boeing 747, died Aug. 30 at the age of 95.
Joseph F. Sutter, who is considered within the aviation industry as the “father of the 747,” died Aug. 30 at the age of 95.
Sutter led the Boeing engineering team that developed the 747 in the mid-1960s, a large aircraft that expanded international air travel as well as air cargo hauling. According to Boeing, Sutter and thousands of company engineers under his leadership at the time produced what became the world’s largest aircraft from concept to rollout in a record 29 months.
Sutter, who was born in Seattle on March 21, 1921, completed his degree in aeronautical engineering at the University of Washington in 1943. He immediately joined the Navy and served the remainder of World War II. Sutter joined Boeing following his military service.
“Early in Joe’s career, he had a hand in many iconic commercial airplane projects, including the Dash 80, its cousin the 707 and the 737. But it was the 747 – the world’s first jumbo jet – that secured his place in history,” said Raymond L. Conner, Boeing Commercial Airplane’s president and chief executive officer, in a statement.
Sutter retired from Boeing in 1986, but according to the Washington Post, he had until recently maintained an office at Boeing.
Sutter, ‘father of the 747,’ dies at 95
