Wells, Edward C., 1910-1986
Person
Dates
- Existence: 1910-1986
Biographical Note: Edward C. Wells
Edward Curtis Wells was born on August 26, 1910 in Boise, Idaho. He graduated from Grant High School in Portland, Oregon and attended Willamette University for two years. Wells transferred to Stanford University and graduated in 1931 with a Baachelor of Arts in Engineering.
He was hired by Boeing in 1931. Wells and fellow engineer E. Gifford Emory designed the protoype Boeing Model 299, the protoype B-17 Flying Fortress. On July 28, 1935, Wells was an observer on the first test flight and subsequent test flight of the 299, flown by Boeing chief test pilot Leslie "Les" R. Tower.
Wells was named Boeing's chief engineer in 1943. In addition to the B-17, he helped design the Boeing 707 and 747. During his time at Boeing, Wells also served as senior vice president and on the board of directors.
Wells married Dorothy Evangeline Ostlund (1911-1995) on August 25, 1934. The couple had a daughter, Laurie Jo. Edward C. Wells died on July 1, 1986 in Bellevue, Washington.
He was hired by Boeing in 1931. Wells and fellow engineer E. Gifford Emory designed the protoype Boeing Model 299, the protoype B-17 Flying Fortress. On July 28, 1935, Wells was an observer on the first test flight and subsequent test flight of the 299, flown by Boeing chief test pilot Leslie "Les" R. Tower.
Wells was named Boeing's chief engineer in 1943. In addition to the B-17, he helped design the Boeing 707 and 747. During his time at Boeing, Wells also served as senior vice president and on the board of directors.
Wells married Dorothy Evangeline Ostlund (1911-1995) on August 25, 1934. The couple had a daughter, Laurie Jo. Edward C. Wells died on July 1, 1986 in Bellevue, Washington.
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Biographical Information Files - W
Sub-Group
Scope and Contents
Individuals whose names begin with W: Wackett, Lawrence, Sir [Director, Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation] "Some Experiences of a Pioneer in the Aircraft Industry in Australia." Journal of the Royal Aeronautical Society, May 1959. Waddell, Jack [Boeing engineering test pilot] "Getting Ready for the Big One," Boeing magazine, December 1968 Wade,...