Hellmuth Hirth

Hellmuth Hirth (April 24 1886 - July 1 1938) was a German engineer who founded the Mahle and Hirth companies, manufacturing engine components and complete aircraft engines respectively.

Hirth was born in Heilbronn, the son of an engineer and tool-maker. He was the elder brother of Wolf Hirth who would go on to become a famous sailplane designer and manufacturer.

As a young man, Hirth was sent to the United States to train with the Edison General Electric Company as a mechanic. While abroad, he developed an interest in aircraft, and on his return to Germany in 1909 became involved with this emerging industry. He built his own aircraft in 1910 and soon went to work for the Zeppelin Company building airships. He also became a prominent pilot.

In 1920, he founded his own company to manufacture engine components out of light alloys, and by 1927 spilt the company in order to focus more closely on the aero engine side of the business.

He was killed in a plane crash in 1938 at Karlsbad.