Chapter 5: North american aviation

The Aerophysics Laboratory was a pioneering facility that fostered collaboration among physicists, engineers, and technicians to address complex technological challenges during the Cold War era. ​It marked a significant shift in the aerospace industry, where private companies began to take on roles traditionally held by government and academia.

• Established as one of the first facilities of its      kind in the U.S. ​
• Focused on technological advancements in rocketry      and guidance systems. ​
• Played a crucial role in the postwar aerospace      industry, particularly during the Cold War. ​

• The Birth of the Root Locus Method

Evans' "Eureka" moment for the root locus method occurred during a class at North American Aviation, where a student's question prompted him to develop a new way of visualizing control system stability. This method quickly gained popularity among engineers.

• The root locus method was inspired by a student's      question during a servomechanism class. ​
• It provided a new way to visualize the stability      of control systems. ​
• The method was embraced by engineers at North      American Aviation and beyond. ​
• Evans' willingness to share his insights      contributed to the method's rapid adoption.

Development of the Navaho Missile

The Navaho missile project was the largest contract awarded to the Aerophysics Laboratory, driven by the need for advanced military capabilities during the arms race with the Soviet Union. ​ This project highlighted the urgency for a new unmanned delivery system capable of long-range precision strikes.

• The military aimed for a delivery system that      could carry 2.5 tons over 5,000 miles. ​
• Technological breakthroughs were necessary for      achieving precision landing within one mile of the target. ​
• The project led to the establishment of an      Aerophysics Department focused on scientific advancements..