Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Aug 1, 2026

Alfred Loedding

Alfred Christian Loedding was an American aeronautical engineer. He was a pioneer in the development of solid-fuel rockets.

Last revised
Aug 1, 2026
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Loedding in 19381 source ↗
Alfred Loedding
Born
Alfred Christian Loedding

(1906-02-17)February 17, 1906
Princeton, New Jersey, U.S.
DiedOctober 10, 1963(1963-10-10) (aged 57)
Albuquerque, New Mexico, U.S.
Alma materAuburn University (BS, 1929)
Known forProject Sign, Low-aspect-ratio aircraft (Lenticular aircraft), Flying disc designs
TitleTechnical Director, Project Sign
Scientific career
FieldsAerospace engineering, Aeronautics
InstitutionsWright-Patterson Air Force Base
Bell Aircraft
Loedding Engineering Co.

Alfred Christian Loedding (February 17, 1906 – October 10, 1963) was an American aeronautical engineer.23 He was a pioneer in the development of solid-fuel rockets.3

Early life

In 1928, Loedding was vice-president of the student flying club and was profiled for a model he made of Charles Lindbergh's plane The Spirit of St. Louis.45 In 1929, Loedding graduated from the Alabama Polytechnic Institute with a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering. He subsequently completed advanced studies in aeronautical engineering at New York University's Daniel Guggenheim School of Aeronautics in 1930.67 He received the school's Guggenheim award.3 He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the air service.8

Career

In 1937, he was employed by Bellanca Aircraft.2 He was profiled for his work on rocket planes.1 From 1938 to 1950, the Army Air Force, later US Air Force. For three years he led the Jet Propulsion Lab at Wright Field.9 He was involved in the development of solid-fueled rockets.1011 In 1939, he was involved in model plane contests, serving both as a judge and an award-winning participant.1213 In 1941, he accompanied Robert Goddard to Roswell army airfield for a test.143 He later observed tests conducted by Jack Parsons and Aerojet. 15 Loedding was involved in Project Sign, the Air Force's investigation into flying discs or UFOs.16 He conducted a 1949 lecture at University of Pittsburgh.17 In 1958, Loedding was profiled after being awarded a patent for a solid-fueled military rocket.189 In 1959, he was profiled and photographed with a model he called a 'flying pumpkin seed'.19

Loedding was instrumental to the development of air-to-air refueling systems.3 Loedding died in 1963.3 In 2013, his son Donald Loedding published a book that discussed his famous father.20

References

References

  1. "Rocket Planes Visualized By New Castle Engineer". The News Journal. February 2, 1938. p. 3 – via newspapers.com.
  2. "Alfred Loedding, 57, Succumbs". Richmond Times-Dispatch. October 11, 1963. p. 4 – via newspapers.com.
  3. "Nasa Official Dies". Daily Press. October 11, 1963. p. 44 – via newspapers.com.
  4. "Baden Student Builds Model of Lindy's Plane". The Pittsburgh Press. March 18, 1928. p. 67 – via newspapers.com.
  5. "Engineering Students Form Flying Club". The Brooklyn Daily Eagle. April 7, 1928. p. 3 – via newspapers.com.
  6. "Class Notes: 1929". Auburn Alumnews. 15 (2). Alabama Polytechnic Institute. 1930. Alfred C. Loedding, M.E. '29, is currently pursuing advanced aeronautical research in New York.
  7. "Internet Archive". Page 82 explicitly states: "In 1930 Loedding graduated from the Daniel Guggenheim School of Aeronautics at New York University.". Retrieved 6 May 2026.
  8. "Commissions Given Three Reading Men". Reading Times. July 3, 1930. p. 13 – via newspapers.com.
  9. "Ambridge Man Planning Practical Flying Saucer". The Pittsburgh Press. November 2, 1952. p. 10 – via newspapers.com.
  10. "Local Group Hears About Rocket Planes". Palladium-Item. February 24, 1939. p. 5 – via newspapers.com.
  11. "Rocket Ship To Be Shown Here Sunday". Palladium-Item. June 16, 1939. p. 1 – via newspapers.com.
  12. "Large Number of Entries Expected in Design Test". Dayton Daily News. December 24, 1939. p. 17 – via newspapers.com.
  13. "'Rocketair' Wins Originality-Event". The Pittsburgh Press. May 28, 1939. p. 25 – via newspapers.com.
  14. Lehman, Milton (May 12, 1963). "This High Man: The Life of Robert H. Goddard". Farrar, Straus – via Google Books.
  15. Carter, John (April 1, 2005). Sex and Rockets: The Occult World of Jack Parsons. Feral House. ISBN 978-1-932595-66-6 – via Google Books.
  16. Tucker, S. D. (15 June 2017). Space Oddities: Our Strange Attempts to Explain the Universe. Amberley Publishing Limited. ISBN 978-1-4456-6263-3.
  17. "Field Aids To Lecture At Pittsburgh College". The Journal Herald. March 30, 1949. p. 3 – via newspapers.com.
  18. "Patents of the Week: 9 1/2-inch Military Rocket, Unique Fuel Invented". Tallahassee Democrat. October 25, 1958. p. 10 – via newspapers.com.
  19. "Make Way For Flying Pumpkin Seed". Dayton Daily News. February 22, 1959. p. 101 – via newspapers.com.
  20. Loedding, Donald R. (March 14, 2013). Global Warming: the Iceman Cometh (And Other Cultural Takes). AuthorHouse. ISBN 978-1-4817-2227-8 – via Google Books.