Aeronautical engineer Robert Widmer, a pioneer in the development of supersonic aircraft and fly-by-wire computerized flight control, died on June 20 in Fort Worth, Texas, The New York Times reported on Sunday. Inspired by Chuck Yeager's supersonic flight in 1947, Widmer was determined to design the first supersonic bomber. His bosses at Convair weren't interested, according to the Times, so Widmer spent two years working on his own time. When the Air Force asked for proposals, Widmer was ready, and Convair won the contract. The resulting B-58 Hustler could fly up to Mach 2 and 80,000 feet. Widmer also took lead roles in creating the designs for the B-36, a six-engine nuclear bomber; the F-111, a versatile jet fighter with variable-geometry wings; the F-16 "Fighting Falcon" jet fighter; the Tomahawk cruise missile; and more.
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