Robert Dick Richmond

Robert Dick Richmond, B.Sc., D. Eng. (Ron.), was born on January 13, 1919, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and moved with his family to Toronto in 1933. He enrolled at the University of Michigan, obtaining a bachelor's degree in Aeronautical Engineering in 1942. While at the University he learned to fly and soloed in a Piper Cub J-3F airplane. He worked at National Steel Car Co., Malton, Ontario, for two summers on the production of Westland Lysander leading-edge wing slats, and elevators. On graduation he was directed to the mechanical engineering division of the National Research Council working on wind tunnel and flight test projects including development of low drag skills for the Hurricane aircraft.

Richmond joined Fairchild Aircraft Ltd., at Longueuil, Quebec, where he was responsible for the design and development of a target-towing version of the Bristol Bolingbroke, and skis for winter rescue of downed aircraft. He was Chief of Aerodynamics for a utility bush aircraft, the Fairchild Husky, from its inception through certification in 1946.

In early 1947, following closure of Fairchild Aircraft Ltd., Richmond was hired by Canadair Ltd., of Montreal, for a position in a newly formed Preliminary Design department. In 1948 he became Section Chief of Aerodynamics, where his initial assignment was the development and certification of the Canadair aircraft, a derivative of the North Star aircraft and the Douglas DC-4, powered by Rolls Royce Merlin Engines.

In 1949 Richmond was appointed Chief Development Engineer that included aerodynamics, preliminary design, engineering test functions and related laboratories. A position which included in 1951 performance development of the Canadian-built F-86 Sabre Mk 5 and 6. He also led design studies to define a maritime patrol aircraft for the RCAF. These studies culminated in a contract being awarded in May 1954, for the Argus, a long-range patrol aircraft. In February 1954, Richmond also became responsible for Canadair's entry into missile development.

During that period, Richmond and Canadair Test Pilot Al Lilly tried to interest the RCAF in a small jet trainer to replace the World War II Harvard but received an official negative response. In early 1954 Richmond drafted preliminary specifications for a trainer which featured side by side seating and the then questionable items of pressurization and ejection seats. He then initiated and led the preliminary design that resulted in the Canadair CL-41, the Tutor jet trainer used by the Royal Canadian Air Force Snowbird Acrobatic Team.

In mid 1957 he was named Chief Engineer of Special Weapons, to manage a unit established for missile development, but the Sparrow missile program was cancelled as a result of the demise of the Avro Arrow. He redirected the division to pursue a new field: surveillance systems. By the time he left Canadair in 1960, development was beginning on what would later become Canadair's successful CL-89 surveillance system.

In April 1960, Richmond joined Canadian Pratt and Whitney Aircraft (later known as Pratt and Whitney Aircraft Canada (PWAC) as Vice-President of Operations, and in December 1963 was appointed to the Board of Directors, then Deputy President. He directed the production of the first 3,500 PT-6 and equivalent engines and guided their marketing program. Simultaneously, the manufacturing capacity was increased to absorb total production for all PWAC piston-engine parts. He also established, in 1963, a division to partially manufacture and assemble the Sea King Helicopter for the Department of National Defence (DND), and supply components to Sikorsky for U.S. production.

In 1970 he joined McDonnell Douglas of Canada as President and was named a Vice-President of the parent corporation. Here he directed the manufacture of DC-9 and DC-10 wings at Malton.

In 1974 Richmond become President, Chief Operating Officer and a Director of Spar Aerospace. Richmond guided this company in the development and marketing of specialized systems and sub-systems. The most notable program was the Canadarm, for which he established the organization, and oversaw the first five years of its development. He also negotiated with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) for procurement of follow-on units.

Before leaving Spar in 1980, Dick Richmond directed the integration into Spar Aerospace of the space activities of RCA Canada and Northern Telecom, which enabled the company to become a prime contractor in the manufacture of satellites.

Richmond returned to Canadair in January 1981, to become the Executive Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer. He is credited with turning the Challenger business jet into a strong international competitor by directing the completion of certification and delivery of CL-600 and CL-601 aircraft. These have been sold to corporations and governments in over 30 countries. In 1984 he was responsible for initiating and leading the preliminary design and marketing of the derivative of the CL-601 that became Canadair Regional Jet - that aircraft established the regional jet world market.

Following retirement in December 1987, Richmond continued as a senior advisor on the Canadair Regional Jet program during its definition phase.

Richmond is a Fellow, founding Member and Past President of the Canadian Aeronautics and Space Institute, and a recipient of their C.D. Howe award for leadership in Aerospace. He is an Associate Fellow of the American Institute of Aerospace Sciences, a Member of the Professional Engineers of Ontario, a Past Chairman of the Canadian Delegation to NATO Industrial Advisory Group, and a Past Chairman and Honorary Life Member of the Aerospace Industries Association of Canada. He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Engineering from Carleton University in Ottawa in 1998.

Robert Dick Richmond was inducted as a Member of Canada's Aviation Hall of Fame in 1995 at a ceremony held in Edmonton, Alberta.

On December 27, 2019, Dick Richmond was awarded the Order of Canada.