W. Wallace Kellett

William Wallace Kellett (also W. Wallace Kellett) (December 20, 1891 – July 22, 1951) was an American aircraft executive and manufacturer, especially associated with rotary-wing aircraft. He was president of Kellett Autogiro Corporation and Republic Aviation Corporation. His company constructed the first successful wingless aircraft in the United States.

Kellett was born in Boston, Massachusetts on December 20, 1891. His parents were William W. Kellett and Frances Revere (Flagler) Kellett. His family was wealthy.

Kellett graduated from Princeton University with a bachelor of letters in 1913.

Kellett prepared for Princeton at Chestnut Hill Academy and upon his graduation from Princeton he became associated with the Liquid Carbonic Company that manufactured soda fountains in Kansas City. During World War I he enlisted and first drove an ambulance in Europe for the American Field Service. Later he became a pilot in the French Air Force. The flying experiences gave him an interest in aviation that would last the rest of his life. Kellett earned a French Général de corps d'armée citation and an Italian Service Medal during World War I.

Kellett became an aviation enthusiast after his Army service and he entered into the aircraft manufacturing business in 1919. He established an autogyro company under a license from Autogiro Company of America. He made rotary-wing military aircraft for the United States Army Air Corps. Kellett was known internationally in the aviation field as a pioneer in the development of autogyros and helicopters. Through his company Kellett constructed the first successful wingless aircraft in the United States. He also built the first fleet of rotary-wing military aircraft for the United States Army Air Corps.

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