The Clark Y Airfoil: A Historical Retrospective

This paper traces the life and times of Colonel Virginius Evans Clark and his most well known creation, the famous Clark Y airfoil. Despite that fact that he is today mainly remembered (if at all) for that one achievement, Clark was a many faceted and somewhat controversial aviation pioneer. He designed many aircraft and served in several important military and industry positions both during and after the First World War. Clark's eventful career, the various aircraft that he designed and the many applications of his most famous creation are reviewed.