University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
The Grainger College of Engineering

Garrett C. Covington Jr.

[title]
To Garrett C. Covington Jr., engineer and administrator, for distinguished leadership in the development and design of superior aircraft and aerospace vehicles.

Vice President, General Engineering, McDonnell Company, St. Louis, Missouri

  • BS, Mechanical Engineering, 1928

Mr. Covington joined McDonnell in 1939, two months after the company was founded. Initially, he served as assistant chief engineer. In 1943 he was promoted to airplane chief engineer and in 1952 was elected vice president of airplane engineering. Under Mr. Covington's direction, the first experimental airplane of all-McDonnell design, the XP-67 Bomber Destroyer, was developed. Subsequent work led to the development of a series of airplanes with outstanding characteristics. The excellent performance of these airplanes, particularly the F-101 Voodoo and F4B Phantom II, led to the establishment of many new world's records in speed, climb, altitude, and endurance.

In 1957 Mr. Covington was elected vice president of general engineering. Under his direction, advanced and comprehensive facilities have been established for the development and experimental testing of all company products. His responsibilities have included the creation and direction of departments for providing project guidance in production design, reliability and materials, and processes for all McDonnell Company products.

Current as of 1969.