Augusto Cicaré
Augusto Ulderico Cicaré | |
|---|---|
| Born | May 25, 1937 Argentina |
| Died | January 26, 2022 (aged 84) Saladillo, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina |
| Occupation(s) | Engineer, inventor, aviation designer |
| Known for | Designing the first helicopter built in South America (CH-1), ultralight helicopters CH-10 and CH-11, Cicaré SVH-3 flight simulator |
Augusto Ulderico Cicaré (25 May 1937 – 26 January 2022) was a distinguished Argentine engineer, inventor, and designer specializing in aviation.
By the age of 11, Cicaré had already engineered his first four-stroke engine intended to operate a washing machine and modified an automobile engine to function on propane fuel. At 15 years old, he began building engines for motorcycles.
In 1958, with minimal prior experience in rotary-wing aircraft, he successfully designed and flew the CH-1, marking the first helicopter constructed in South America. By 1972, he was advancing the development of his third helicopter prototype.
During the late 1960s, Cicaré created a V-4 engine tailored for DKW vehicles, which underwent extensive testing by the renowned driver Juan Manuel Fangio. A variant designed for motorsport was also produced but was discontinued following DKW's business closure.
His subsequent innovations featured ultralight helicopters such as the CH-10 and CH-11 models, along with the Cicaré SVH-3 flight simulator, which was honored as Argentina's national invention in 1998.
Cicaré passed away at the age of 84 in Saladillo, Buenos Aires Province, on 26 January 2022.
Awards
In 1987, he was awarded the Juan Manuel Fangio Prize for designing a fuel injection pump for Diesel engines, recognized as Argentina's premier invention accolade.
He was listed among Argentina's top ten most remarkable young men in 1970 and was bestowed the title of Friend of the Argentine Air Force in 1996. The following year, he received an honorary degree in Air and Space Engineering from the Professional Council of Air and Space Engineering.
In 1999, a roundabout located in Saladillo was dedicated in his name.