Roy Haggard, the chief technologist and founder of Vertigo, Inc., was inducted into the Rogallo Foundation‘s Hall of Fame on May 17 for his innovative contributions to the development of aviation.
Haggard has been involved in low-speed flight technology since the 1970s. In 1980, he designed and introduced a hang glider known as the UP Comet, a revolutionary double-surface design allowing higher performance and better handling. The introduction of the glider allowed hang gliding performance to reach a new level, the foundation said about presenting the award. “The Comet remains a key innovation in low-speed aviation and is the base for most modern innovations.”
After his introduction of the Comet, Haggard continued working in aviation, particularly on aircraft, parachutes and inflatable structural designs. He designed and tested more than 50 original aircraft concepts and has contributed extensively to the concept of flight, the foundation stated. He holds several patents related to aviation and currently serves on the Board of Directors for Vertigo, Inc., providing management oversight for the company’s engineering, fabrication and test activities.
The Rogallo Foundation was established in 1992 to honor Francis Rogallo, who is known as the “Father of Hang Gliding” for his invention of the flexible wing, and to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to aviation. The foundation’s objectives focus on the research, education, artifacts, and outdoor recreational flying sites associated with low-speed aerodynamics.
For information: http://www.kittyhawk.com/rogallo/index.html
