Robert Liebeck, who passed away in January 2026 at age 87, was a leading figure in aircraft design and aerodynamics. His early work on high-lift airfoils, known as Liebeck airfoils, influenced reconnaissance aircraft and even Formula One racing car aerodynamics. Liebeck’s most celebrated legacy involves blended wing body (BWB) aircraft, where he led Boeing’s BWB project and collaborated with NASA on the experimental X-48 demonstrator. After retiring from Boeing, he advised BWB startup JetZero, which targets a 2027 demonstration flight for a fuel-efficient BWB aircraft promising improved aerodynamics and lower emissions.
In addition to his aerospace innovations, Liebeck contributed to automotive aerodynamics, notably developing downforce wing systems widely adopted in motorsports. At MIT, he taught aircraft design and mentored generations of engineers, emphasizing aeronautical engineering education. His multidisciplinary work impacted aviation, racing, and sustainable aircraft concepts, garnering numerous accolades including membership in the National Academy of Engineering.
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Professor of the practice Robert Liebeck, leading expert on aircraft design, dies at 87 ↗Source published 2026-01-21. This report was prepared with AI assistance from the linked primary-source material. Claims and limitations should be checked against the original announcement or research.