Latter, Barry Charles, 1938-
Dates
- Existence: 1938-
Biographical Note: Barry Latter
Barry Charles Latter is a retired aeronautical engineer who had a decade-spanning career with Boeing and other aviation companies. He was born on July 9, 1938 in Coulsdon, England to Edgar Charles Latter and Kitty Latter (née Sinclair). His father served with the Fleet Air Arm of the Royal Navy, and the family moved frequently around the United Kingdom for his father’s assignments.
Growing up near airfields inspired Latter to pursue his own career in aviation. In 1953, he applied for a Royal Air Force Cadetship but did not make the final cut of applicants. Around this same time, he joined the Hull branch of the Royal Aeronautical Society as a student member. After completing high school, he was accepted into a five-year apprenticeship program for general aeronautical engineering at Blackburn and General Aircraft, Limited (Brough, England). During his time at Blackburn, he helped solve engineering challenges with the Blackburn Beverly and Buccaneer aircraft. He completed his apprenticeship in 1960, then went on to graduate studies at the College of Aeronautics (now Cranfield University). After completing his master’s degree, he returned to Blackburn, which had since been absorbed into the Hawker Siddeley Group. His propulsion engineering work at this time included developing a way to match engines to aircraft based on thermodynamic characteristics.
In 1965, Latter accepted a job offer from the Boeing Company, and he and his family relocated to Washington State. He initially worked on engine design and development for the 747 and afterwards worked on the 757, 767, and 737 Next Generation. He retired in 2000 as Chief Engineer.
After his retirement, Latter joined the Docent Corps at The Museum of Flight (Seattle, Washington). He was still an active volunteer as of 2015.
Latter married his wife, Susan, in 1962.
Source:
Biography derived from collection materials.