Pierre Young
Pierre Henry John Young | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date France |
| Died | August 4, 1985 (aged 59) |
| Occupation(s) | Mathematician, aerospace engineer |
| Known for | Leading engine development for Concorde |
Pierre Henry John Young (12 June 1926 – 4 August 1985) was a British mathematician with French origins who played a pivotal role in leading the engine development for Concorde throughout the 1960s.
Early life
Originally born in France, Young attended Lycée Condorcet before moving to England in 1938, where he was evacuated to Herefordshire. He pursued Mathematics at Trinity College, Cambridge and utilized his proficiency in French by assisting the BBC foreign language service with encrypted communications involving the French Resistance.
Career
In 1949, Young began his career at Bristol Siddeley, rising to the position of assistant chief engineer by 1959.
Concorde engine
Starting in 1962, he took charge of the Concorde engine project, which was subsequently acquired by Rolls-Royce in 1966. His command of the French language proved invaluable in fostering cooperation between British and French teams, effectively managing the intercultural aspects vital to the initiative’s success.
Young appeared on BBC1's 'The Change Makers' program in April 1969 and was present at Concorde’s maiden flight in France that March alongside his deputy, Peter Calder.
By the early 1970s, he had advanced to Technical Director of Rolls-Royce’s Bristol Engine Division. In May 1972, he delivered a presentation on Concorde at the Royal Aeronautical Society’s Bristol branch. He was promoted to deputy technical director of Rolls-Royce in February 1975.
He featured in the 1983 BBC1 documentary 'Faster than the Sun,' which showcased Concorde's transatlantic speed achievements. The Royal Aeronautical Society honored him with their Gold Medal in 1984.
Personal life
In 1953, Young married Lily Cahn, who was German and hailed from Fürth, Bavaria; her brother was Robert W. Cahn FRS, and her nephew is Sir Andrew Cahn.
Their children, Thomas and Michele, both matriculated at the University of Cambridge.
Young enjoyed alpine climbing vacations and frequently jogged around The Downs, Bristol. He resided on Rockleaze Avenue in Sneyd Park, close to Stoke Bishop. His memorial service took place on 20 February 1986 at St Peter's church in Filton, attended by his wife Irène.
External links
- 1926 births
- 1985 deaths
- Alumni of Trinity College, Cambridge
- Bristol Aeroplane Company
- British people of French descent
- Concorde
- Fellows of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers
- Fellows of the Royal Academy of Engineering
- Fellows of the Royal Aeronautical Society
- Fellows of the Royal Society
- Lycée Condorcet alumni
- Royal Aeronautical Society Gold Medal winners
- Rolls-Royce people