Felix Kracht
| Felix Kracht | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | May 13, 1912 Krefeld, Germany |
| Died | October 3, 2002 Kirchweyhe, Germany |
| Nationality | German |
| Alma mater | RWTH Aachen University |
| Occupation | Aerospace Engineer, Production Director at Airbus |
| Known for | Co-founding Airbus and developing the A300 aircraft |
Felix Kracht (May 13, 1912 – October 3, 2002) was a German aerospace engineer and visionary co-founder of Airbus. He played a leading role in European aviation collaboration and was instrumental in the design and production of the Airbus A300, the world’s first twin-engine wide-body commercial aircraft.[1]
Early Life and Education
Felix Kracht was born in Krefeld, Germany. He studied aeronautical engineering at the Technical University of Aachen (RWTH Aachen), where he became actively involved in the Flugwissenschaftliche Vereinigung Aachen (FVA). One of his notable early achievements was designing and flying the FVA-10 "Rheinland" glider across the Alps in 1937, an accomplishment that showcased both his technical acumen and aviation passion.[2]
Contributions During and After World War II
During World War II, Kracht worked at the German Research Institute for Sailplane Flight (DFS). He contributed to experimental designs like the DFS 228 high-altitude glider and the DFS 346, a rocket-powered aircraft. He also engaged in early explorations of inflight coupling, a precursor to aerial refueling and composite aircraft systems.
Post-war, Kracht relocated to France and worked with Nord Aviation. There, he coordinated Franco-German collaboration on the Transall C-160 transport aircraft, laying the foundation for future European aerospace unity. In 1967, he returned to Germany to become Managing Director of Deutsche Airbus GmbH.[3]
Airbus and the A300 Program
In 1968, Felix Kracht joined Airbus as its first production director. He was a driving force behind the successful development of the Airbus A300, which redefined global aviation with its wide-body, twin-engine design. He championed:
- Transnational manufacturing collaboration across Europe
- Integration of advanced materials and technologies
- Standardized production methods to reduce redundancy and costs
Kracht’s strategic approach established Airbus’s now-famous decentralized production model, helping transform it into a serious competitor in the global aviation industry.[4]
Legacy and Recognition
Felix Kracht retired in 1981 but continued as an advisor to Airbus. In 1978, he received the Officer's Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany. His contributions were further honored posthumously with the naming of a street in Frankfurt and the creation of the Felix Kracht Foundation, which supports aerospace heritage and historic glider preservation.
His daughter, Barbara Kracht, became a prominent communications executive at Airbus, affectionately known as "Madame Airbus" for her enduring impact on the company.
Felix Kracht’s legacy lives on through Airbus’s enduring global presence and the collaborative spirit of European aviation he helped foster.[5]
References
- ↑ https://aviationweek.com/aerospace/gallery-retrospective-aviation-week-networks-laureate-award-winners-1980s
- ↑ https://www.airbus.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2019-06-airbus-founding-father-and-visionary-roger-beteille-passes-away
- ↑ https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Top-design-strategy-of-reversible-molecular-CO2-adsorbers-Middle-examples-of_fig1_381614923
- ↑ https://www.marketing91.com/top-aerospace-companies/
- ↑ https://www.airlineratings.com/articles/airbus-pays-tribute-key-roles-founding-father