David D. Blanton
Aviator.
David D. Blanton grew up in Wichita and held an interest in planes and flying from a young age. At age five his father purchased a small plane which Blanton rode in regularly. Six years later, at age 11, Blanton began taking free model planes and improving them and making them more creative. In 1942 Blanton joined the U.S. Navy and began to fly in earnest.
After fighting in World War II and returning home Blanton wished to be an aeronautical engineer. He founded Javelin Aircraft Company of Wichita. His business created many small planes, important special aircraft fuel systems, and the autopilot.
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Entry: Blanton, David
Author: Kansas Historical Society
Author information: The Kansas Historical Society is a state agency charged with actively safeguarding and sharing the state's history.
Date Created: June 2011
Date Modified: April 2019
The author of this article is solely responsible for its content.
