Ken Wallis
Wing Commander Kenneth Horatio Wallis MBE,
DEng (hc),
CEng,
FRAeS,
FSETP,
PhD (hc),
RAF (Ret'd), is one of the leading exponents of
autogyros. He has held (in some cases still holds) 34 records relating to them.
He produces autogyros for, in his own words, "reconnaissance, research & development, surveillance and military purposes" and his designs are not available for enthusiasts.
Born on
16 April 1916 at
Ely,
Cambridgeshire, he developed a practical interest in mechanics, building a motorcycle at the age of 11. In the
1930s he bought and assembled a
Flying Flea aircraft. These were kit form midget aircraft which were banned in 1936 after several fatalities due to design flaws.
His military career started with
Westland Lysander patrols in the RAF. In 1942 he was transferred to
Bomber Command, flying
Wellingtons near
Grimsby. He subsequently served in
Italy. Thereafter he was involved in research and development. He left the RAF in 1964, retiring to
Norfolk.
He took an interest in powerboating which he kept up until 1957, when he won the 56-mile long Missouri Marathon.
He received the MBE in 1996
He provided and flew
Little Nellie in the
James Bond film
You Only Live Twice. He is President of the
Norfolk & Suffolk Aviation Museum.
