Tom McNeely: Lawrence and Elmer Sperry

Artist: Tom McNeely
1935 -
Nationality: Canadian
Artwork Year: 1985
Image Size: 17 by 19.75 inches
Overall Size: 22 by 26.5 inches
Medium: Water Color on Water Color Paper

In the early years of airplane flying, it was often remarked that a pilot flying in low clouds and fog was almost as good as dead. The problem was called "flying blind," or not being able to sense whether the plane was climbing, diving, or spinning while flying in adverse weather conditions. Elmer Sperry, American inventor and industrialist was concerned about the problem of flying blind and with the help of aviator James H. Doolittle developed the Sperry Artificial Horizon, which gave pilots an immediate indication of whether the plane was climbing, diving, or turning. Sperry also invented the gyrocompass, which was much more accurate than the normal magnetic compass, and the automatic pilot, which allowed pilots to fly long distances without constantly adjusting the aircraft controls. Elmer Sperry was aided in the testing of many of his inventions by his son Lawrence, who was an aviation genius in his own right. Lawrence helped develop and test such aviation innovations as the retractable landing gear and the first guided missile in the form of an aerial torpedo. He also helped Alfred Verville design and produce the famous R-3 Army race plane which won the 1924 Pulitzer Speed Classic Trophy with a record speed of 216 miles-per-hour. Together, Lawrence and Elmer Sperry created some of the most important inventions in aeronautics history.

This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood® First Day Cover for the U.S. 39¢ Sperry stamp issued February 13, 1985.

Artwork Copyright © 1985 Unicover Corporation. All Rights Reserved under United States and international copyright laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, transmit, or otherwise exploit the Artwork in any way. Images of the Artwork may be watermarked and/or digitally watermarked. Any sale of the physical original does not include or convey the Copyright or any right comprised in the copyright.

Our Stock Number (SKU): XB09348

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