Philip J. Klass

Philip Julian Klass (November 8 1919–August 9 2005) was born in Des Moines, Iowa and died in Merritt Island, Florida. He was an electrical engineer by training, and also a journalist, but he is probably best known as a leading debunker of UFOs, arguing especially against the extraterrestrial hypothesis.

Biography

Klass graduated from Iowa State University in 1941, with a BS in electrical engineering. He worked for General Electric for ten years as an engineer in aviation electronics. In 1952 he joined Aviation Week, which became Aviation Week & Space Technology. He was a senior editor of Aviation Week & Space Technology for thirty-four years.

Related Topics:
Iowa State University - BS - Electrical engineering - General Electric - Aviation Week & Space Technology

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In 1973 Klass was named a fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, recognized for his technical writing. He was also a member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the Aviation/Space Writers Association, the National Press Club, and the National Aviation Club. Asteroid 7277 (1983 RM2) was named "Klass" after him.

Related Topics:
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers - American Association for the Advancement of Science - Aviation/Space Writers Association - National Press Club - National Aviation Club - 7277 (1983 RM2)

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Retiring in 1986 as senior avionics editor of Aviation Week & Space Technology, he continued to contribute to the magazine for several more years. His book, "Secret Sentries in Space" (1971), was one of the first books about spy satellite technology.

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He is credited with coining the term "avionics," a blending of aviation and electronics.

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