Allan Haines Loughead, American engineer and businessman, founded the Alco Hydro-Aeroplane Company (d. 1969)

Allan Haines Lockheed (born Allan Haines Loughead on January 20, 1889, in Niles, California; died May 26, 1969, in Tucson, Arizona) was a pivotal figure in American aviation history, recognized both as an innovative engineer and a pioneering businessman. His remarkable career spanned the foundational decades of flight, leaving an indelible mark on the burgeoning aerospace industry.

The Genesis of an Aviation Giant

In 1912, driven by a passion for flight, Allan Loughead, alongside his elder brother Malcolm Loughead, co-founded the Alco Hydro-Aeroplane Company in San Francisco, California. This enterprise, initially focused on the design and manufacture of hydro-aeroplanes and seaplanes, laid the crucial groundwork for what would eventually evolve into the renowned Lockheed Corporation. Their early endeavors, such as the innovative Model G seaplane which made its debut in 1913, demonstrated their commitment to pushing the boundaries of aviation technology and design from the outset, aiming to create more efficient and reliable aircraft.

A Strategic Name Change: From Loughead to Lockheed

A significant turning point in Allan's personal and professional life occurred in 1934 when he legally changed his surname from Loughead to Lockheed. This decision was primarily driven by practicality: the original Loughead spelling often led to widespread pronunciation and spelling confusion, frequently mispronounced as "Lag-head" rather than the intended phonetic "Lock-heed." By adopting the simplified, phonetic spelling, Allan aimed to streamline communication and eliminate ambiguity, a strategic move that undoubtedly benefited the growing brand recognition of the aviation company associated with his family name and helped solidify its identity in the public eye.

Persistent Entrepreneurship and Post-War Transitions

The 1930s saw Allan Lockheed continue to pursue his entrepreneurial ambitions within the highly competitive aircraft manufacturing sector. He went on to establish two other aircraft manufacturing companies during this period, demonstrating his unwavering dedication to aviation innovation. Unfortunately, despite his innovative spirit and deep industry knowledge, both of these subsequent ventures proved unsuccessful. This outcome highlighted the inherent challenges, significant capital requirements, and intense competition prevalent within the nascent aviation industry, particularly during the turbulent economic climate of the Great Depression era.

Following the conclusion of World War II, a period that dramatically reshaped the global aviation landscape, Allan transitioned his primary career focus. He became a real estate salesman, demonstrating his versatility and adaptability in the post-war economy. Nevertheless, his profound expertise in aeronautics ensured he remained connected to the industry he helped build, occasionally serving as a respected aviation consultant. This dual role allowed him to leverage his vast experience and insights while navigating new professional avenues outside of direct aircraft production.

A Lasting Legacy and Final Years

Throughout his later life, Allan Lockheed maintained an informal yet significant relationship with the Lockheed Aircraft Corporation, the corporate entity that bore his adopted name and carried forward the legacy he helped initiate. His connection to the company, though not always formal, symbolized his enduring influence as one of its foundational figures and a true pioneer of flight. Allan Haines Lockheed passed away on May 26, 1969, in Tucson, Arizona, at the age of 80, leaving behind a remarkable legacy deeply interwoven with the fabric of American aviation and the global aerospace industry.

Frequently Asked Questions About Allan Lockheed

Who was Allan Haines Lockheed?
Allan Haines Lockheed was an influential American aviation engineer and businessman, most renowned as the co-founder of the Alco Hydro-Aeroplane Company, which evolved into the Lockheed Corporation, one of the world's foremost aerospace and defense companies.
Why did Allan Loughead change his name to Lockheed?
He legally changed his surname in 1934 to Allan Lockheed to resolve common pronunciation and spelling confusion associated with his original family name, Loughead, which was frequently mispronounced and misspelled by the public.
What was the Alco Hydro-Aeroplane Company?
Founded in 1912 by Allan and his brother Malcolm Loughead, the Alco Hydro-Aeroplane Company was their initial venture into aircraft manufacturing, primarily focusing on innovative seaplanes and hydro-aeroplanes. It served as the crucial precursor to the modern Lockheed Corporation.
Did Allan Lockheed establish other successful aviation companies?
While he founded two additional aircraft manufacturing companies in the 1930s following his initial venture, these subsequent endeavors were ultimately unsuccessful, underscoring the high-risk nature of the early aviation industry during that era.
What did Allan Lockheed do after World War II?
After World War II, Allan Lockheed shifted his primary career focus to real estate sales. However, he maintained his connection to the industry by occasionally serving as a valuable aviation consultant until his passing.