Sponsored by
World authority airship designer dies
Roger Munk was the president and technical director of Hybrid Air Vehicles LTD
An airship designer who founded a world-leading company at the Cardington hangars has died.
Roger Munk, 63, was the president and technical director of Hybrid Air Vehicles LTD (HAV).
The company designs and builds lighter then air vehicles for international clients.
Mr Munk, who was regarded as the world authority in his field, died suddenly on Sunday after suffering a heart attack.
Gordon Taylor, a friend and colleague of Mr Munk, said: " For the last 37 years he has been developing lighter than air vehicles.
"The company and all the people that he has assembled are charging ahead and are going to complete his work and his vision.
"Roger has been very important for Bedford and the UK. He had quite a team around him and some had been with him for 25 years."
Mr Taylor vowed that work at HAV would continue despite Mr Munk's death, he said: "We have bid for a major contract in the US and are scheduled to win it. We are determined to fulfil his dream."
Mr Munk, who lived in Bucks, trained as a naval architect before turning to the design and development of airships.
During his career he was awarded the Royal Aeronautical Society's silver medal for his outstanding initiative in advancing British airship technology.
Dave Burns, pilot of HAV's prototype vehicles, said: "This is a devastating loss for all his family, friends and the airship business as a whole."
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Bedford
Friday 25 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 11 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 21 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 11 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 20 mph
Wind direction: East
