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Description
The collection is 2.5 linear feet in size and contains correspondence, publications, newsclippings, black and white photographs, 16mm film, a scrapbook, and artifacts relating to the professional career of engineer Edward S. Forman. Divided into six series, the collection is organized chronologically within subject file folders. Series I includes biographical information about Forman's early rocket experiments from newspaper and magazine articles, many found in a scrapbook. Of note are the photographs of early launch attempts with John Parsons, and their original rocket test stand motor. Series II contains documents and publications during Forman's time with Cal Tech, the GLACIT Program, and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory building JATOs. This series contains several films which show the test firing of various rockets and the take-offs of planes aided by JATOs (see Appendix A). Series III has numerous photographs and reports produced by Aerojet Engineering Corporation during their research and development of various rockets for the U.S. military. Of note is a piece of an airplane wing from a fatal JATO experiment. The wing is annotated by Forman, describing the incident (see Appendix B). Series IV deals with an explosives company Forman helped found, Vulcan Powder Company. Series V and VI include employee newsletters and photographs from Hughes Aircraft and Lockheed. Appendix A Series II - Cal Tech-Jet Propulsion Laboratory Films .033"The Jet Propulsion Research Project," 1942 The color print is approximately 12 minutes and 30 seconds (400') long, with titles and credits. It is in good condition. Summary: Jet Propulsion Lab test site, showing buildings and grounds; personnel conducting experiments and rocket test firing. Test flights of Ercoupe single engine plane assisted by JATOs at March Field, CA probably in August 6-23, 1941; test flights of A-20A bomber assisted by JATOs at Muroc, CA in April 9-24, 1942. Film includes credits of project personnel and a large group shot at airstrip. .034"Flight Test of the Ercoupe Airplane without and with Auxiliary Jet Propulsion at March Field, CA - August 6-23, 1941" The Kodachrome original is approximately 8 minutes (290') long. The film has minor abrasions and cement splices, which are likely to fail and should be repaired. Therefore, view the .035 color print of same film. Perforations are okay. Summary: Jet Propulsion Lab test site, showing buildings and grounds; personnel conducting experiments and rocket test firing. Test flights of Ercoupe single engine plane assisted by JATOs at March Field, CA in August 6-23, 1941; numerous take-off shots. Several views of military men and men in suits talking, as well as mechanics working on the plane. .035"Flight Test of the Ercoupe Airplane without and with Auxiliary Jet Propulsion at March Field, CA - August 6-23, 1941" The color workprint is approximately 7 minutes and 45 seconds (275') long. The film is in good condition. View this film instead of .034. Summary: Jet Propulsion Lab test site, showing buildings and grounds; personnel conducting experiments and rocket test firing. Test flights of Ercoupe single engine plane assisted by JATOs at March Field, CA in August 6-23, 1941; numerous take-off shots. Several views of military men and men in suits talking, as well as mechanics working on the plane. .036JATO Historical Footage, ca. 1941 The Kodachrome original is approximately 6 minutes and 15 seconds (225') long. The film has minor abrasions and cement splices, which are likely to fail and should be repaired. Therefore, view the .037 color print of same film. Perforations are okay. Summary: Jet Propulsion Lab test site, showing buildings and grounds; personnel conducting experiments and rocket test firing. Test flights of Ercoupe single engine plane assisted by JATOs probably at March Field, CA in August 6-23, 1941; numerous take-off shots with and without JATOs. Shots of JATOs being prepared and installed onto Ercoupe. .037JATO Historical Footage, ca. 1941 The color workprint is approximately 6 minutes and 15 seconds (225') long. The film is in good condition. View this film instead of .036. Summary: Jet Propulsion Lab test site, showing buildings and grounds; personnel conducting experiments and rocket test firing. Test flights of Ercoupe single engine plane assisted by JATOs probably at March Field, CA in August 6-23, 1941; numerous take-off shots with and without JATOs. Shots of JATOs being prepared and installed onto Ercoupe. Appendix B Series III - Aerojet Engineering Incorporated Research .101 Artifact has the following written on it: A PIECE OF BELLY CENTER SECTION FROM INTERSTATE AIRPLANE DAMAGED BY 2 AEROJET UNITS 8AS1000 THAT SLIPPED OUT OF THE MOUNTING RACKS. ONE UNIT IMBEDDING ITSELF IN THE GASOLINE TANK, THE OTHER UNIT GOING THRU THE PROPELLER AND FLYING THRU A HANGAR 125 YARDS AWAY. ONE PROPELLER TIP SHATTERED THE RIGHT LEG OF NAVY INSPECTOR KLEIN. NO OTHERS WERE INJURED. THIS WAS THE FIRST ACCIDENT TO OCCUR WHERE AEROJET UNITS WERE INVOLVED. ACCIDENT OCCURRED 6 P.M. NOV. 1, 1943. ED. S. FORMAN P.S. MR. KLEIN DIED AT 4:00 A.M. THE FOLLOWING MORNING.
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