Handley Page, Sir Frederick (1885-1962), was a pioneer in British aircraft design and engineering. In 1904, he founded Handley Page Ltd., a firm of aeronautical engineers. He served as its chairman and managing director until his death. Handley Page Ltd. specialized in manufacturing heavy aircraft. Its twin-engined O/400, produced in 1918, was one of the earliest heavy bombers. The British Royal Air Force (RAF) used the Hampden and Halifax widely in World War II (1939-1945). The RAF began using the Victor, a turbojet strategic bomber, in 1958. Handley Page Ltd. also produced civil aircraft, including the Hannibal, Hermes, and Herald transports.
Handley Page was born on Nov. 15, 1885, in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England. He was knighted in 1942. He died on April 21, 1962.
